Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

The Korean War is often referenced as the ‘forgotten war’ as it is sandwiched between World War 2 and the Vietnam War.

On June 25, 1950 North Korea, aided by Communist China and the USSR, invaded South Korea. It was the beginning of the first armed conflict of the Cold War. South Korea, in danger of being overrun by the Communists, pleaded to the United Nations for help.

A war-weary America, still mourning the dead and healing the wounded of WWII, led the UN’s response.

A negotiated cease fire was signed by all combatants on July 27, 1953.

It is estimated that 1, 789,000 US military personnel were sent to the Korean War Theater. Almost 37,000 KIA Americans never returned, over 100,000 were wounded in combat.

On July 27, 1995 President Bill Clinton proclaimed this date, July 27, to be observed as “National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.”

Please join me in remembering these Americans, both living and dead, who answered their nation’s call.

John Morrisette
Manteca
July 23, 2012