Even as Memorial Day is observed throughout the state, many veterans and their families are looking ahead to July 27, 2013, which marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice to end the hostilities of the Korean War - often referred to as the Korean Conflict or the “Forgotten War.”
The armistice agreement, meant to be a temporary document until a peace agreement could be achieved, was signed by the United Nations, the North Korean People’s Army, and the Chinese People's Volunteers. Even today, 60 years later, no peace agreement exists.
Through the remainder of 2013, commemoration events are planned in communities across the nation to honor and thank all veterans who served in the Korean War and the families who lost loved ones. Of the approximately 1.5 million Americans who served in Korea, an estimated 31,000 reside in Connecticut.
The Veterans History Project at Central Connecticut State University and the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs are partnering to host a special event for all Korean War veterans on July 26, 2013 at Camp Niantic (formerly Camp Rell) in Niantic. The state's Korean War veterans are invited to attend a remembrance ceremony at Nett Hall at 11:00 AM to honor the 326 Connecticut men killed in action. A picnic to celebrate and thank the surviving veterans will immediately follow the memorial ceremony.
Korean War veterans are invited to attend with a guest free of charge. For details or to contact 860-616-3603 or Tammy.Markik@ct.gov by Friday, July 19, 2013. Connecticut citizens who would like to attend to show their appreciation can also purchase tickets.
The honorary chairs of the event include Mrs. Nikki O'Neill (the widow of former Governor William A. O'Neill), Command Sergeant Major Robert Moeller and General James H. Throwe.
To view historic photographs and hear fascinating first-hand accounts of combat in Korea from Connecticut veterans, visit the Veterans History Project website at http://www.ccsu.edu/vhp where one can choose from more than 50 oral histories to explore.
