Maine Korean War Veteran Recognition Day 7/27/13

Saturday, July 27, 2013 is Maine Korean War Veteran Recognition Day, as declared by Maine's Governor, Paul LePage in a proclamation that he signed on July 25th. This celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Cease Fire.

The proclamation, which was sponsored by Senator James Hamper (R-Oxford), recognizes all Maine Korean War veterans, as well as the 38 POW/MIA and 245 lives lost by the State of Maine during the war. More than 36,000 lives were lost in the United States and more than 100,000 were wounded.

"Their legacy of patriotism and dedication to country is an inspiration to all Americans," stated Governor LePage. "This is a war that many consider the "forgotten war" so it's important that we remember and honor our veterans for their service and sacrifice."

The proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, on June 25, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea with approximately 135,000 troops, initiating the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, nearly 1.8 million members of the United States Armed Forces served along with the forces of the Republic of Korea and 20 other Allied nations under the United Nations Command to defend freedom and democracy in the Korean Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, the United States suffered with 36,574 lives lost and 103,284 wounded, and the State of Maine lost 38 POW/MIA and 245 lives during the Korean War in some of the most horrific conditions in the history of warfare; and

WHEREAS, 60 years have passed since the signing of the cease-fire agreement at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, yet the Korean peninsula still technically remains in a state of war, and the Korean War has become a "Forgotten War" to many Americans; and

WHEREAS, many of the members of the Armed Forces who fought in the Korean War returned home without the fanfare that greeted the heroes of World Wars I and II; and

WHEREAS, Korean War veterans deserve to be recognized by all Americans for their honorable service during the Korean War in the defense of democracy and freedom.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim that July 27, 2013 to be

MAINE KOREAN WAR VETERAN RECOGNITION DAY

throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.