[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 18333-18335]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  KOREAN WAR VETERANS RECOGNITION ACT

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 2632) to amend title 4, United States Code, to 
encourage the display of the flag of the United States on National 
Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 2632

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Korean War Veterans 
     Recognition Act''.

     SEC. 2. DISPLAY OF FLAG ON NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS 
                   ARMISTICE DAY.

       Section 6(d) of title 4, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting ``National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 
     27;'' after ``July 4;''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Johnson) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2632, the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act, 
would amend the Flag Code to include Korean War Veterans Day among the 
times and occasions for display.
  Section 6(d) of title IV, the United States Code, states that the 
flag should be displayed on all days, but singles out a number of days 
for special recognition. Among those days are the birthdays of 
President Washington, President Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and 
Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, to name a few.
  It is more than appropriate that we add to this list Korean War 
Veterans Day. Doing so will provide a fitting reminder for all of us to 
remember and to honor the men and women who served so honorably in the 
Korean war.
  The Korean war has been referred to as America's ``forgotten war'' 
because it came on the heels of World War II and was later overshadowed 
by Vietnam, but although fighting between the Democratic People's 
Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea lasted a mere 3 years, from 
June 1950 until July 1953, it was ferocious. At least 2.5 million 
people lost their lives.
  The war brought the United States into battle with the Soviet Union 
and the People's Republic of China. And with the Soviet Union having 
recently joined the United States in developing nuclear weapons, there 
was a very real concern that the war it might escalate into would be a 
nuclear conflict.
  The Korean war cost more than 54,000 American lives in that 3-year 
period, almost as many as who died in the 16 years of the Vietnam war. 
In addition, more than 103,000 American soldiers were wounded in Korea.
  It's more than fitting that this Nation remember and honor the 
service of our Korean war veterans, and this legislation will provide a 
poignant reminder of that service.
  I especially want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from New 
York, the Honorable Charles Rangel, for introducing this legislation. 
He is, himself, a veteran of the Korean conflict, having served in the 
Army from 1948 through 1952, and also the United States Civil War, 
which ended back in 1865. He served in that war as well.
  And I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time. And I believe that my humor has gone 
over the heads of those who occupy the Chamber at this particular time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I noticed that the gentleman from New York was a little concerned 
when he was informed that he served in the Civil War in 1865.
  But be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2632, the Korean War 
Veterans Recognition Act, amends the official Flag Code to add National 
Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, which is July 27, to the list of 
days on which the American flag should be displayed.
  In 1950, the North Korean military, with the aid of the Chinese, 
crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. This act of 
Communist aggression was met by 22 countries who joined together to 
challenge one of the many threats that developed during the cold war 
challenge; a United Nations endeavor, but most of those troops were, of 
course, as always, from the United States.
  Americans comprised the majority of that valiant force, and almost 2 
million members of the U.S. military successfully drove back the North 
Korean forces in places such as Pork Chop Hill and the Pusan Perimeter. 
And during that war, 34,000 Americans never came home, 92,000 others 
were wounded.
  Were it not for the immense bravery and sacrifice of the men and the 
women who served in Korea during those cold winters, even more of the 
world would have been denied prosperity and freedom behind the Iron 
Curtain.
  In 1953, the Military Armistice Agreement halted the march of 
communism into South Korea. Today, as we once again confront a 
belligerent, nuclear-armed North Korea, once again backed by the 
Chinese, we owe it to the veterans of the Korean war and their families 
to honor their service by adding July 27, National Korean War Veterans 
Armistice Day, to the list of days in which the Flag Code encourages 
displaying the Stars and Stripes.
  As a cosponsor of this resolution, I urge all my colleagues to join 
me in supporting H.R. 2632.

[[Page 18334]]

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague and my 
mentor, Representative Rangel, as much time as he may consume.
  Mr. RANGEL. I want to thank Chairman Conyers and Mr. Smith for 
allowing this bill to come on the floor. I want to congratulate 
Chairman Conyers and Sam Johnson, who served in the Korean war, for 
participating and making this become a reality, and Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, as well as Diane Watson and Peter King.
  In 1948, millions of young people throughout these United States 
joined the military. We, some of us were sent to Fort Dix in New 
Jersey, and from there we went to Fort Lewis, Washington, to join the 
Second Infantry Division, the only division, actually, that was trained 
all over the world in order to be the one combat-ready division.
  Sometime in June of 1950, we were alerted that the North Koreans had 
invaded South Korea. Most of us didn't even know where Korea was, but 
we were prepared to fulfill our responsibility as infantry people.

                              {time}  1630

  The 24th and the 25th divisions were stationed in Japan, and they 
were immediately sent to South Korea. The truth was that the North 
Koreans had driven them to the tip of the peninsula to such an extent 
that, when we arrived in July, there was some question as to whether or 
not we could land; but we did in what they called the Pusan Perimeter. 
We fought from that perimeter to the 38th parallel. As most of you 
know, General MacArthur landed at Icheon, and we had completely 
surrounded the enemy as we knew it, and moved up far beyond North Korea 
until we reached the tip of that peninsula, which was the Yalu River, 
which separated South Korea and North Korea from China. It was then 
that the Chinese entered this war and completely surrounded us and the 
entire Eighth Army.
  We lost so many, so many American lives. So many Americans were 
captured. So much pain was caused to so many families and to so many 
communities. Now there are only 2 million of these veterans who are 
left, and 1,000 of us die every day. Notwithstanding the fact that in 
my lifetime, for most of it, I've known nothing but wars and that this 
one is just referred to as the Forgotten War, it just appears to me 
that this is the most painful because so many veterans have never 
really received the accolades for the sacrifices that they have made. 
Their families have suffered so much.
  So this is just a small way for America to be able to say that we 
don't know how many conflicts there will be for which we will have to 
call on our young people to defend our great Nation or the principles 
for which we stand, but I think this is the least that we can do to 
have our flag to commemorate this so-called armistice that took place 
on July 27 so that we will know that, in the hearts of all Americans, 
there were people who made these sacrifices and that America is 
thankful for it.
  So, Mr. Johnson, I appreciate the fact that we have brought this to 
the floor. I do hope that the veterans who are left who fought in Korea 
and, more importantly, that their families and communities know that 
our Nation is saying thank you.
  I rise today to speak on my bill, the Korean War Veterans Recognition 
Act. This bill is important not only to our nation's commitment to 
defending freedom across the world especially in these times of global 
conflict.
  I would like to thank Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Lamar Smith 
of the Judiciary Committee for their work in getting this bill to the 
Floor today. I also want to thank the original cosponsors: Chairman 
Conyers and Sam Johnson, who both served in the Korean War, and Ileana 
Ros-Lehtinen, Diane Watson, and Peter King.
  This straightforward bill honors the 6.8 million Americans who served 
during the Korean War period, and those who paid the ultimate 
sacrifice, by adding National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 
27th, to the list of dates on which our American flag should be 
especially displayed.
  By recognizing the Armistice Day--the day on which the Korean War 
unofficially ended, ensuring South Korea's independence and democracy--
this bill promotes an annual reminder of the sacrifices made by our 
military men and women during the war period, including the 54,246 U.S. 
deaths and more than 8,100 POW/MIAs in the three short years that the 
Korean War lasted.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Broun).
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I thank my friend, Judge Poe, for yielding a 
couple of minutes to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to rise in absolute support of this bill. The 
Korean war has been called the Forgotten War. The Vietnam war is the 
war of forgotten veterans. I served in the Marine Corps. I actually had 
a commission in the Navy and, later on, in the Air Force. As one who 
believes in the Constitution as our Founding Fathers meant it when they 
wrote it, I know that national defense is the number one issue that 
this Congress should focus upon more so than anything else, and we 
ought to give--it is right to give; it is due to give--recognition to 
these brave men and women who were engaged in the conflict in Korea.
  We signed an armistice with the Koreans, and technically, we're still 
at war there. We still have veterans who are missing in action from 
many wars. We still have veterans who are stationed all over this world 
in an effort to maintain freedom in America. So it's absolutely 
critical that we recognize our veterans, not only from the Korean war 
but from all wars, whether it's World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert 
Storm, Iraqi Freedom, or the war that's ongoing in Afghanistan.
  I hope that America will pause and will thank the service men and 
women who have put on a uniform, who have given their time, their 
efforts, their limbs, their eyes, their lives to protect freedom in 
America.
  So I congratulate the Members who have brought this very important 
legislation to the floor. I thank my friend Mr. Rangel from New York 
for his service to the Nation. I thank all members of the military for 
serving this Nation. I very ardently support this.
  I appreciate, Judge Poe, your yielding me some time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the Korean war is an odd sort of name in that it was 
first never called a ``war.'' Back when men went to Korea, for some 
reason, somebody in the press decided to call it a ``conflict'' like 
it's a street fight or something, and because of that, I don't think 
that the Korean war veterans have received the recognition that they 
deserve.
  This was a hard-fought, bloody, cold war where 34,000 Americans died 
and where 92,000 others were wounded. Because of history, those folks 
who served, and as my friend from Georgia has pointed out, we still 
have men and women in Korea who are protecting those borders between 
North and South Korea. Still, technically, those two countries are at 
war with each other because there was never a treaty; there was just an 
armistice.
  We should give those people the recognition they rightfully deserve, 
because that was the first battle, the first war, where the free West 
met the Communist and was successful in defeating communism in Korea. 
We let people know we will fight wherever we need to go throughout the 
world to prevent communism from spreading. The men and women who served 
in Korea, who rightfully did that and who honorably did that, should be 
recognized.
  I'm glad to see that we have finally built them a memorial on the 
Mall, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, a great tribute with the other 
memorials that we have, the World War II Memorial that we have and the 
Vietnam Memorial.
  So this legislation is important. It's important that we, as 
Americans, remember our history and that we rise to a level where we 
understand that all of those veterans, that all of those men and women 
who served, deserve the rightful recognition for what they did for 
America when they were called to do so.
  With that, I yield back the remainder of my time.

[[Page 18335]]


  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I would yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my dear colleagues, Chairman Rangel and 
Judge Poe out of Houston, Texas, and also my friend from Georgia, Dr. 
Broun--or Bron. I call him ``Congressman,'' but we have a great 
relationship, and I enjoy his fellowship. I wish to associate myself 
with the comments of all three of these gentlemen.
  It's rather ironic that 56 years after the Korean War ended we are on 
the verge of, perhaps, another Korean war, and I don't think that the 
times could be more tense in South Korea than they are now. I had the 
opportunity to visit about 6 months ago, and the mood and the heavy 
feeling of impending war will remain heavily etched on my heart. I am 
hopeful that this administration can lead us and can lead the world out 
of this conflict.
  This is just one of many, but I will tell you my personal experience 
as a young boy. I didn't get challenged too much, but whenever anyone 
did step to me, I would have to take defensive action. If I had my 
hands tied behind me, that would not be a fair fight, and if I had not 
been working out a little bit and if my muscles had not been in shape, 
I would not have been able to handle the conflict or deter it.
  Mr. Speaker, I will report to you that I only had about 10 fights and 
lost only one, and I'll tell you that those were the things that helped 
me to ward off any future belligerence.
  Certainly, in this country and in this world, we would be remiss as a 
Congress, as a legislative branch, if we did not prepare for the worst. 
With respect to our defense, it means that we have got to have a strong 
military and one that is well equipped to meet whatever the challenge 
may be. We cannot assume that there will not be another Cold War, 
because you could not assume, at the end of World War II, that the 
Chinese and the Russians would get together and gang up. I did not know 
that for sure, and then, boom, it happened.
  Things are unexpected. It seems like, every 50 years, there is 
something big that happens, and we're at 56 years now. We simply cannot 
afford, as a Nation, to be caught without our defenses as tight as they 
can be. That means our firepower, our sea power, our power in outer 
space, our cyberspace, and our infantry. All of these aspects of our 
defense have to be up to par, so I am happy to serve on the Armed 
Services Committee where I can be a spokesperson and a proponent of 
making sure that this country remains strong.
  I want to thank all of the veterans. My dad served in World War II, 
and today, he is 86 years old and is not doing too well, but I am proud 
of him serving his country, and I am proud of every other serviceman 
and -woman who has served this country. I look forward to a peaceful 
world; but if not, we have to do what we have to do.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 
2632 which encourages the display of the American flag on July 27 
honoring National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
  I want to commend Mr. Charles Rangel of New York for introducing this 
important resolution further promoting the national recognition of the 
veterans who fought valiantly in the Korean war. I would also like to 
recognize the cosponsors for their strong support of House Resolution 
2632.
  From June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, American troops were involved 
in heavy combat on the Korean peninsula against the invading forces of 
North Korea and the People's Republic of China. For 3 grueling years, 
our troops battled alone many other nations' troops in defending the 
peninsula from being enveloped wholly by communism.
  Today, there are rougly 2.3 million veterans still alive today. These 
men have served our country at its time of greatest need and have 
protected our Nation's best interests. It is imperative that our Nation 
recognizes the service of these veterans and we must honor them with 
the raising of the American flag on July 27.
  As a Vietnam war veteran myself, I personally appreciate the service 
of my fellow servicemen of the United States Armed Forces. I realize 
that the sponsor and my good friend Mr. Charles Rangel is also a 
veteran of the Korean war. He courageously led troops behind enemy 
lines for 3 days instead of surrendering to the enemy. It is necessary 
that we honor and remember many of those who fought bravely alongside 
my good friend. It is important that my fellow veterans from the Korean 
war are given the utmost respect for their valor and courage.
  I would like to once again, thank Mr. Charles Rangel and the 
cosponsors for creating and supporting this piece of legislation 
honoring the veterans of the Korean war by raising the American flag on 
July 27. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise in strong 
support of H.R. 2632, legislation that adds National Korean War 
Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag 
of the United States should be displayed. I am particularly proud to 
have joined my colleague from New York, Mr. Rangel, who served with 
great distinction and valor in the Korean War, in being an original 
cosponsor of this bill.
  The Korean War was a major battlefield in the Cold War as American 
forces and our allies fought so heroically to resist North Korean 
aggression and prevent communist forces from imposing their rule on the 
Republic of Korea.
  Nearly seven million Americans served during the Korean War period 
and this legislation offers a fitting tribute to honor their 
contributions and sacrifices. And there were many. The United States 
suffered 54,246 casualties and over 8,000 POW/MIAs during this 
``Forgotten War.'' H.R. 2632 properly recognizes their efforts and 
ensures that American courage and resolve in Korea will never be 
forgotten by authorizing the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on 
July 27.
  I urge adoption of the legislation.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to 
recognize the past and present service of one of my constituents, Mr. 
James W. Shelmerdine, Jr., who served with great honor during the 
Korean War and continues to serve on behalf of Korean War veterans in 
the State of Connecticut.
  Mr. Shelmerdine deserves our recognition not only for his service to 
our country in Korea, but also for his leadership and volunteerism 
after the war. Mr. Shelmerdine commands a local chapter of the Korean 
War Veterans Association and advocates tirelessly for Korean War 
veterans at the State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, 
Veterans' Home in Rocky Hill, which houses some of the state's neediest 
veterans.
  It is with great pride that I join my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives in recognizing the courage and sacrifice of Korean War 
veterans like Mr. Shelmerdine and honoring them by designating July 27 
as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I fully support H.R. 
2632, The Korean War Veterans Recognition Act; and, I commend Chairman 
Rangel for his service, both in the Korean War and in the House of 
Representatives.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 2632.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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