Ed Royce: “On this day, on this very day 58 years ago, North Korea invaded South Korea. Over the course of the next 3 years after…”

“On this day, on this very day 58 years ago, North Korea invaded South Korea. Over the course of the next 3 years after that invasion until July 27 of 1953, until that armistice brought a halt to the fighting, more than 36,000 Americans died, and more than 1.5 million South Korean soldiers and civilians became casualties of that act of aggression. In the aftermath of this conflict, the Republic of Korea has flourished, becoming the world's 11th largest economy and becoming the United States' 7th largest trading partner. Seoul is a vibrant city which has hosted the Olympic Games and the World Cup. As cochairman of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary Exchange, I have had the chance to see this miraculous growth up close in South Korea. Mr. Speaker, as is inscribed in the Korean War Memorial here in Washington, D.C., it is important that we never forget those who nobly sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and liberty.”