U.S. veterans who served in the Korean War and now live in Nebraska have been honored in a state cemetery that recognized their service to the country.
25 veterans from various counties in the state gathered at the Creighton Community Center in Creighton, where they had lunch and received a commemorative recognition coin in appreciation of their service in the 1950-1953 conflict.
The Korean War
It comes on the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War, which began when North Korea, with indirect support from Communist China and the Soviet Union, fought against South Korea, which in turn was supported by the U.S.
The conflict ended in July 1953 and, in all, some five million soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the war. Because no permanent peace treaty has ever been signed, ‘the unfinished’ or ‘forgotten’ war still divides Korea today.
According to figures attributed to the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs by local press, around 2,400 Korean War veterans live in the state.
“We’re recognizing Korean War veterans today, veterans who served and shared the values of America and liberty with more than 50 million people in the Republic of Korea. The success of South Korea is a testament to their service,” Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert, a Gulf War Army veteran who served as a captain with the 1st Infantry Division, said.
18 of the veterans attended the ceremony in person, while a further 7 viewed it online. Attendees also observed a moment of silence in memory of those killed in the fighting.
“We honor those brave men and women who served during the Korean War for their courage, their sacrifice and dedication to duty,” Kelly Hanvey, a veteran service officer in Knox County, told Norfolk Daily News. “Their service helped preserve the independence of South Korea and demonstrated a commitment to defending freedom around the world.”
Other Ceremonies
The state also hosted an official Korean War Armistice Day ceremony in Lincoln. There was also a ceremony at Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Meanwhile, other countries also conducted ceremonies to mark the occasion.
In North Korea, leader Kim Jong-un visited cemeteries, met veterans and laid flowers at the graves of fighters in the war, according to state media KCNA. He was accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae.
Meanwhile, South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook attended a ceremony on Monday in the country’s capital, Seoul. At the ceremony, which also marked United Nations Forces Participation Day, Han promised to defend freedom and peace through partnerships with the U.S. and the U.N.
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