Dear Members and Fellow Veterans,
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The beautiful Rose of Sharon
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The last time that I was in Washington, the air was full of windblown
Cherry blossoms. And up on the hill at Arlington National Cemetery the perpetual watch by the Honor Guard
from the “Old Guard” continued their silent vigil, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 (or 366) days of
the year - 24/7/365.
Across Memorial Bridge almost two miles away at the Korean War Veterans
Memorial on the Mall another vigil was being maintained by 19 eternal sentinels -24/7/365.
And, since the
arrival of His Excellency Tae-Sik-Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, there has been a Memorial
Wreath - 24/7/365, THE PEOPLE OF KOREA NEVER CEASING IN HONORS TO OUR TROOPS, THEIR “GI’S.”
Many
members have asserted that the KWVA was created/born to build the National Memorial. Certainly Bill Norris
felt that way judging from much of what I have been able to read from his writings. The KWVA, the General
Richard G Stilwell Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation (KWVMF), the American Battle Monuments Commission
(ABMC), and millions of others created and built what many of us believe is the most moving and appropriate
war memorial on the Mall.
Then we “stacked arms,” taking up our individual, local and regional concerns.
After all, the Memorial Squad and Reflecting Wall were forever, weren’t they? We should have know
better—nothing is forever, especially if those who should have the greatest care and concern for
perpetuating it forget their role and responsibility for the Memorial.
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A uniquely great American soldier is the Executive Director of the Memorial Foundation—Colonel Bill
Weber. Listen to Bill as he expresses his heartfelt concern for our Memorial below:
"The National Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a dramatic and tangible
testament to the service and sacrifices of a generation of American soldiery. It personifies the dedication
of our people to adhere to one of our most sacred principles that, "Freedom is Not Free" and that some must
bear the burden when a free people are threatened by armed subjugation. The Memorial honors those who fought
in the Korean War and, by extension, those who have since defended the freedom that was preserved for the
Republic of Korea and its' people.
Preservation of the Memorial in a pristine condition for future
generations is an obligation of our people. We place trust in the premise that such will be a normal process
by a governmental agency, specifically the National Capitol Region of the National Park Service (NPS).
However, circumstances are such that the NPS is, at times, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task of
maintaining all our national monuments and memorials, etc., as a result of Congressional and Administration
reductions in budgetary requests by NPS. Thus, NPS must 'prioritize' available funds to meet the most
critical need. The result is that some routine but necessary maintenance suffers and a gradual deterioration
is a potential that can lead to major problems. And, at the very least, a degradation of the symbolism
intended.
Consequently, those of our people most concerned about a specific memorial or monument band
together to ensure the foregoing can be avoided. They form non-profit 501, c, 3, Foundations to raise funds
to assist the NPS, when and if necessary, by providing grants to augment inadequate NPS maintenance and
repair funds for that memorial or monument. Almost every significant memorial and monument in our Nation is
so supported.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc., (KWVMFnd), was chartered for the purpose
of providing for the National Korean War Veterans Memorial. The KWVMFnd has a primary goal of raising a
Memorial Maintenance Endowment Fund so that the annual interest from such would, as needed, guarantee that
the NPS has the monetary resources to ensure timely, appropriate and required maintenance and repair of our
Memorial.
The KWVA is the ONLY veteran’s organization that has a proprietary interest in the Korean War
Veterans Memorial and the only organization that can be considered as representing the totality of Korean
War and Defense veterans of our nation. Thus, it is axiomatic that the KWVA should commit full support to
the mission of the KWVMFnd. The Memorial is our legacy to future generations and speaks of the heritage we
added to our Nation's history. If we don't ensure the future---who will?
KWVA members are urged to visit
the KWVMFnd website for more details."
www.KoreanWarVetsMemFnd.org
Col William E Weber (USA-Ret)
Chairman, KWVMFnd
410 775-7733
Email:
eagle187@direcway.com
If we don't ensure the future---who will?
I was asked to write this letter to every chapter telling you of the need—and the
responsibility—concerning our Memorial. It appears to me that we have taken too long a break from our
Mission, from PERPETUATING – REMEMBERING – MAINTAINING. We all need to take a lesson from
Ambassador Lee- 24/7/365.
I was asked to describe the need, in terms of our Mission, and challenge our
members to take charge in reversing the neglect of our heritage. I was glad to do so because I believe it is
the type of thing that is our responsibility, and something that we need to get busy carrying out.
Fortunately, two great Chapters—Maryland Chapter 33 and Maryland Chapter 142, Frederick, stepped up to join
with Colonel Weber and me on this project. They have each pledged $2000 this year to the KWVMFnd through the
sales of the Rose of Sharon, a most unique fund raiser.
I am asking that each Chapter and Department
President/Commander challenge their units to do the same, or at least as much as they possibly can to
answer this need-24/7/365. Please consider doing so and write and tell me the results. We will be
announcing a recognition program to acknowledge our units as they carry out this important part of our
Mission.
Please let Colonel Weber and me
know what you are doing. If sending a donation or remitting funds collected, make checks payable to the Memorial Maintenance Fund and mail
directly to:
Gen. RGS Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc.
920 East Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20003
Ph: 202-543-2127 Fax: 202-543-0724
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Thank you, each and everyone, as you respond to this latest challenge to the warriors of America’s
longest war, 1950-2006 and counting. You will find the advertisement for ordering the flowers below.
Louis T. Dechert
KWVA National President
