Korean War Vets Honored

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, nearly 1,000 veterans and their families gathered in Hancock Park to honor American and Korean soldiers who served in the first armed conflict of the Cold War.

Hundreds of American and South Korean veterans, many of them in their military uniforms, attended the outdoor dinner ceremony Saturday at the home of South Korean Consul General Myongbai Kimyou.

A host of Korean American leaders from Southern California paid tribute to the soldiers who fought to preserve democracy in Korea a half-century ago. Judging by the gratitude expressed in their speeches, it was hard to tell it had been so long.

“Having witnessed their heroism and bravery during the Korean War, we Koreans have the highest respect and admiration for American soldiers,” Myongbai told the crowd assembled on his backyard tennis court. “I call on all Koreans . . . to cherish the heroic and lofty spirit of sacrifice . . . that was exemplified by the American soldiers during the Korean War.”

Myongbai credited the American government assistance for enabling South Korea’s rapid economic growth, and called the United States “a source of inspiration for the growth of democratic values and market principles in [South] Korea.”

During the ceremony, sponsored by the Korean American Inter-Cultural Foundation and the regional Korean Veterans Assn., a soloist from the First AME Church sang the National Anthem, a children’s choir performed and hosts presented commemorative plaques and medals to the veterans.

The medals, produced by the South Korean government, are eventually to be distributed to every Korean War veteran through the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Many of the speakers expressed optimism about the historic summit this month between South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Il. In an agreement signed June 15, the leaders committed to work toward reunification and to allow visits by family members dislocated during the war.

Sgt. Ken Roak, 68, a Marine veteran who spent a year in Korea, said he didn’t hesitate to make the drive from Garden Grove.

“Recognition--everybody enjoys that,” Roak said. “The South Korean people are very appreciative, they really are. This event here cost them a pretty penny, but they’re tickled to do it.”

Sgt. Major Donald Pierce, 72, a Marine vet, said he felt a particular bond with the South Korean Marines who fought alongside him during the war, which lasted from 1950 to 1953.

Though it is sometimes referred to as the Forgotten War, Pierce said he’s “never felt forgotten.” He recalled the time a Korean American television repairman refused to accept payment after he learned Pierce was a Korean War veteran.

“The Korean people have been extremely generous,” he said. “They’re a very gracious people.”