John Thune: “the year 2000 does recognize the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, and this joint resolution recognizes the important…”

“the year 2000 does recognize the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, and this joint resolution recognizes the important anniversary and sacrifices of all Members of the armed services who served in that conflict. This summer, Communist North Korean forces, fifty years ago, invaded across the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea. Two days later on June 27, 1950, President Harry Truman called on the American forces to intervene; and over the next 3 years, over 5 million Americans served. 54,000 of them died in the conflict, and when the call to duty came, South Dakotans were there to answer the call. There are 70,000 South Dakota veterans, roughly one-tenth of the entire population of our State. 13,200 of those veterans are Korean War Veterans, which is about 20 percent. The Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war. This joint resolution will help ensure that those who served and fought to preserve democracy and freedom in the Korean Peninsula are never forgotten. This historic event is a good opportunity to pay tribute to our Nation's veterans and to ensure they receive the care and treatment they have earned in return for their service.”