    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9770 of July 26, 2018

    National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    This year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the armistice
    that ended the fighting of the Korean War. For 3 brutal years, our Armed
    Forces and allies fought valiantly to stop the spread of communism and
    defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula. On National Korean War Veterans
    Armistice Day, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who
    fought and died for this noble cause.
    On the Korean Peninsula, our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen,
    and Coast Guardsmen fought with skill and resolve against tyranny and
    oppression. Justice, liberty, and democracy prevailed, but victory came
    at a tremendous cost. More than 33,000 Americans were killed in action
    during the Korean War, and more than 103,000 were wounded. Thousands
    more were captured and held as prisoners of war. Many are still missing
    in action. We will never forget these valiant patriots or their
    families, who have endured unimaginable loss.
    More than six decades after the cease-fire on the Korean Peninsula, our
    relationship with South Korea continues to flourish. We have forged a
    powerful friendship built on respect, a mutual desire for economic
    prosperity, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and peace
    through strength.
    In contrast, our relationship with North Korea has been hostile, due to
    continued threats to our allies, their development of weapons of mass
    destruction and ballistic missile programs, and ongoing human rights
    violations. Last month's historic summit with Chairman Kim Jong Un in
    Singapore, however, has offered a renewed sense of hope for the future--
    including the promise of complete denuclearization of the Korean
    Peninsula. During this summit, I raised my concern for the many American
    families who have been unable to properly bury the loved ones they lost
    during the Korean War and bring closure to this chapter in their lives.
    As a result, Chairman Kim and I announced our commitment to the recovery
    and repatriation of the remains of Americans missing in action. My
    Administration will fulfill our Nation's solemn duty to bring our
    patriots home with dignity and honor.
    Today, we honor our Korean War Veterans for their immeasurable
    contributions to the cause of liberty. We also salute members of the
    armed forces, past and present, who have maintained an allied presence
    on the Korean Peninsula since the 1953 armistice. Their efforts to stave
    off aggression are worthy of our highest respect and gratitude.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2018, as
    National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to
    observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor
    and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War Veterans.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of
    July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and

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    of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
    forty-third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP