House OKs Bill to Honor Veterans of War in Korea

The House passed a bill Tuesday authorizing a memorial to Americans who served in Korea and providing $1 million for the effort, despite objections that it would set a bad precedent by earmarking federal dollars for a war memorial.

The Korean veterans memorial bill, passed by voice vote, was amended and passed last week by the Senate. It now goes to the White House for President Reagan’s signature.

The bill authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial on federal land in or near Washington to honor military personnel who served in the Korean War, particularly those who were wounded, killed or taken prisoner.

It authorizes $500,000 for site preparation, design, planning and administrative costs, and makes the same amount available for construction once enough private funds are collected to complete and maintain the memorial.