Korean War Vets Can Watch 60th Anniversary Armistice Salute At Local VFW Posts

As the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War nears (yes, we know — it was “hostilities,” and not a war), the Department of Defense wants local veterans to know that they can watch the televised national ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. at their local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post.

The “Heroes Remembered” national ceremony, honoring all those who served in the Korean War, will be held July 27. The event will be broadcast live during local events across the nation called “Pancakes for Patriots,” and will feature a special salute to Korean War veterans, as well as a recognition of UN Allies, ceremonial wreath laying and a symbolic silencing of the guns both in DC and Seoul, South Korea.

The Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Committee is taking extra steps to ensure that veterans who are unable to make it to the DC event can still be a part of this historic occasion by tuning in at their local VFW posts, surrounded by their loved ones, fellow veterans and members of their community.

According to Joe Davis, director of Public Affairs for the national Veterans of Foreign Wars, “This is a great opportunity to educate local communities about the service and sacrifices made by so many of our Korean War veterans and their families.”

The Korean War has come to be known as the “Forgotten War.” The men and women who served on the Korean Peninsula — now in their late seventies and eighties — may have believed their sacrifices were unnoticed. The Department of Defense, however, recognizes that the Korean War was “a significant event during the Cold War.” With the emergence of the Republic of Korea (aka South Korea) as a great power and US ally, the sacrifices of Korean War veterans have become even more apparent, as well as appreciated, over time.

Colonel David J. Clark, director, Foreign Intelligence, Army DCS G-2 and director of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Commemoration Committee, notes that, “This could be one of the last chances we have to recognize these veterans and show them that their sacrifice is important.”

Those interested in attending a local “Pancakes for Patriots” event do not have to be VFW members. Please contact your local participating VFW Post or visit www.koreanwar60.com. You can find a VFW post near you by going here and typing in your ZIP code.