For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 25, 2001
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2001
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The sounds of war thundered as a furious struggle took place 51 years ago in a country unknown to many Americans. The battleground that was Korea in the years 1950 to 1953 tested the resolve, courage, and commitment of an America
barely 5 years beyond the tremendous sacrifices of World War II.
Undaunted, America again marshaled her forces to defend a population
facing tyranny and aggression.
Freedom for the Republic of Korea was
purchased with deep sacrifice and with honor. In 38 months
of intense fighting, 33,665 Americans gave their lives in
battle. Our Nation's highest military award, the Medal of
Honor, was awarded to 131 members of the U.S. Armed Forces, more than
90 of them posthumously. Yet the challenge of Korea was not just a
formidable adversary, but also a harsh and forbidding
climate. The 1.8 million service men and women who served
there suffered bitter winters that would claim casualties approaching
those inflicted by guns, shrapnel, and bayonets. When the
Military Armistice Agreement, effective 48 years ago, silenced the guns
on the Korean peninsula, it marked the end of the world's first
determined stand against Communist aggression. It signaled
the beginning of the Cold War, and foreshadowed the eventual
dismantling of global Communism.
Today, the liberties defended there half a
century ago are the inheritance of 47 million citizens of a democratic,
prosperous, and progressive Republic of Korea. The young
Americans who fought and died there kept faith with a just cause, and
in so doing, kept faith with the principles and ideals on which our
Nation was founded. They immeasurably blessed the Republic
of Korea and brought great honor to our Nation as a defender of
freedom. Because of these truths, we recognize the Korean
War for what it was and is -- not a "forgotten war," but a remembered
victory.
The Congress, by passing Public Law 104-19
(36 U.S.C. 127), has designated July 27, 2001, as "National Korean War
Veterans Armistice Day" and has authorized and requested the President
to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH,
President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 27,
2001, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call
upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War
veterans. I also ask Federal departments and agencies and
interested groups, organi-zations, and individuals to fly the flag of
the United States at half-staff on July 27, 2001, in memory of the
Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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