VETERANS: Korea is not forgotten

The Armistice ending open warfare in Korea was signed, July 27, 1953. The Korean War veterans who returned to the U.S. resumed their lives with no fanfare, most merging back into civilian life with only their families and close friends, realizing the ordeal they had survived.

Since that time, U.S. military personnel have continued to be deployed to South Korea, along the 38 parallel, as a protective force against aggression from North Korea, that continues its psychological warfare and saber-rattling. The Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) was formed in 1985 and awarded a Congressional charter in June 2008, thus achieving equal status with organizations such as: the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corp League.

Korean War veterans and Korean Service veterans, those enforcing the 38th parallel demilitarized zone since the armistice, are both eligible for KWVA regular membership. I encourage all veterans to visit the Korean War Veterans Association website (www.kwva.org ) to obtain a membership form and/or call the Association’s Membership Office at (217) 345-4414 for more information. That office will also advise you of the closest KWVA chapter.

MIKE GLAZZY

KWVA