Korean War Vets get their day

The veterans of the “Forgotten War” are finally remembered, 57 years later.
On Monday, June 25, war veterans and community members gathered in front of Flushing Town Hall to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Korean War and the introduction of Korean War Veterans Day.
Assemblymember Ellen Young initiated a resolution that passed in the State Senate last week naming June 25 Korean War Veterans Day in New York State. Young, along with 30 veterans and community leaders, gathered in front of the Town Hall to give speeches reflecting on the war as passersby stopped and listened.
The speakers emphasized the importance of not forgetting the conflict, which began as a civil war on June 25, 1950 when North Korea attacked South Korea and Chinese, Soviet and United States forces later became involved.
It is known as the “forgotten war” because the conflict came right after World War II and was soon overshadowed by the Vietnam War.
The Korean War “marked the first deployment of the military during the Cold War,” explained State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “During the three-year period, nearly 50,000 Americans lost their life, including 2,249 New Yorkers.”
“It was 55 years ago that I served in the Korean War,” said State Assemblymember Ivan Lafayette said. “It was a long war, and I am very happy to be here to celebrate this day.
“We believe the only positive outcome of this tragedy is the confirmation of the allied friendship between America and South Korea,” said Tong Op Kim, who was representing Ambassador Moon Bong-Joo from the Korean Consulate General.
Young, who is the daughter of a Korean War Veteran, said the resolution helps to represent the plurality of Korean citizens in her district of Flushing.
“I wanted to be a people’s representative in the senate from day one,” she said, “and I said, what can I do to make people proud?”