William Pryor: “more than half a century ago, America answered the call to defend freedom in South Korea. Today, we continue to defend…”

“more than half a century ago, America answered the call to defend freedom in South Korea. Today, we continue to defend democracy and freedom in over 100 countries around the world. This war against communism is sometimes referred to as the ``Forgotten War'' because it came at the heels of World War II and was overshadowed by the Vietnam War. Indeed, there are fewer pages in our children's textbooks about this war than that of other wars. But the cause of freedom was no less important. The bravery of the Nation's Korean War veterans was no less significant. And the sacrifices of these veterans and their families were no less meaningful. Twenty-two nations joined 1.8 million Americans in risking life and limb to defend a country they did not know and a people they had never met. Included were the young men and women who fought on the mountains of Korea in places such as Pork Chop Hill and Bloody Ridge. The United States suffered 36,934 casualties and 103,284 wounded during the Korean War; another 8,000 were taken prisoner or met an unknown fate. In my state of Arkansas, 466 brave servicemen and women paid the ultimate sacrifice. These are our Nation's heroes and they acted selflessly to bring forth freedom and opportunity for generations. July 27 marks the 50th Anniversary of the armistice with North Korea. I take this opportunity to thank our Korean War veterans and their families for their great service and dedication to our Nation.”