Korea War and Korea Service Veterans, Allies from Korea, Korean Americans,
All Military Personnel, Families, Dependents, Friends-
Fifty-six years ago the North Korean Peoples Army (NKPA) invaded the Republic of Korea. World War II had
concluded in Tokyo Bay a little less than five years earlier—war material of that conflict still lay scattered
about throughout Asia and the Pacific—in Germany rubble piles still blocked streets, and the IRON CURTAIN barred
human activity, and rights, to a majority of the world’s peoples.
The godless terror forces of Communism launched their armed aggression against the people of Korea and the
scant Republic of Korea Army and US KMAG (Korean Military Advisory Group) constabulary duty forces.
The first armed conflict of the Cold War was underway. Seoul fell to the NKPA on June 28 and on June
29 the first American ground troops arrived at Suwon, the USS Juneau engaged the enemy by bombardment,
and the 5th Air Force began raids on North Korean airfields.
A yet to be completed ceasefire was signed a little over three years later which, while interrupting open
warfare, has not stopped the war. Hundreds of thousands of Korean armed forces and US forces have served freedom
in Korea since 1950 and today still remain vigilant and ready to defend the brilliant freedom which arose from
the sorrowful ashes of the 1950-1953 war.
Today the Republic of Korea is an economic and democratic giant among the nations of the world and is
certainly one of America’s most dependable allies.
To the brave men and women of the Combined Armed Forces engaged then and now in Korea, and to their
descendents, we owe a daily debt of gratitude that many around the world are completely unmindful of. The
Korean War Veterans Association of the United States has not forgotten. We salute you as we continue to
advance the principle that we made challenging to the world: FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
Louis T Dechert
National President, KWVA/US
