400 U.S. Korean War Veterans receive free trip to attend 50thAnniversary Armistice Agreement signing commemoration events

[Mike Davino <mdavino@yahoo.com>]

Is anybody on the list one of the 400?

Mike Davino

400 U.S. Korean War Veterans receive free trip to
attend 50th Anniversary Armistice Agreement signing
commemoration events

http://www.korea.army.mil/pao/news/030301.htm

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (USFK), March 4, 2003 – 400
U.S. Korean War Veterans were chosen to receive an all
expense paid five-day trip to Korea to participate in
events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the
signing of the Armistice Agreement in July. 

With more than 6,000 veterans across America
requesting to participate in this trip, paid for by
Ryu Jin-Roy, Chairman and CEO of Poongsan Corporation,
the United Nations Command Military Armistice
Commission arranged for a name drawing ceremony today
at the Korean War Museum

“The strong bond and alliance between our two
countries has been questioned lately due to some
unfortunate incidents and misunderstandings,” said Mr.
Ryu, during his opening remarks.  “But I will tell you
that the majority of all the Korean people stand
strong as ever in the alliance and the brotherly bond
between our two countries and the event today is just
a small proof of that.”

The first 15 names were picked by key South Korean and
U.S. guests including Mr. Ryu; Gen. Leon J. LaPorte,
Commander, UNC, CFC and USFK; and Retired Gen. Paek,
Sun Yup.  47 USFK soldiers, sailors, airmen and
Marines then formed a line and selected the names one
at a time.

To ensure each state and territory were represented,
one name from each was selected.  Then the remaining
names were pooled and the other 347 names were chosen.

“I know when these 400 lucky veterans arrive in Korea
this July, they will know in their hearts that the
sacrifices they made over 50 years ago were not in
vain,” said Gen. Leon J. LaPorte. “They will see a
growing, prosperous, and most importantly, free South
Korea.”

These 400 veterans will attend 50th Anniversary
commemoration events at the Joint Security Area and
Yongsan as well as the dedication of a national peace
monument at the Korean War Memorial.

“This demonstrates the great unity of the United
States and South Korea, and the combined appreciation
for those who fought in the Korean War,” said Retired
Col. Robert Howard, Korean War Veteran and Medal of
Honor recipient. “As a veteran it gives me great pride
to see that after 50 years Koreans are still thankful
for our service.”



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