Korea vets deserve recognition

By Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

-----

To many, the Korean War remains “The Forgotten War.”

For those veterans who were a part of it, however, it could never be forgotten.

The Korean War was nestled between the world-changing World War II and the highly controversial Vietnam War. Nearly 34,000 Americans were killed in battle, and another 2,800 nonbattle deaths were recorded. More than 8,100 were missing in action.

Combat was horrendous. Just like the wars that preceded and followed it.

For those reasons, it's nice to see many of the veterans of this war receive their recognition. Iowans who fought in that war 60 years ago are being invited to the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge in Des Moines on July 14, where they will receive certificates of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Sid Morris of Cedar Falls is a longtime educator, former Cedar Falls city councilman and a Korean War veteran. He's also the chairman of the Tall Corn Chapter of Korean War Veterans of Iowa.

“It is a program to tell the story of the Korean War,” Morris said of the July 14 event. “For many, that war really was “The Forgotten War.”'

The certificate veterans will receive, signed by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, says: “Through your selfless sacrifice, the tide of communism on the Korean Peninsula was halted and liberty triumphed over tyranny.

“The Department of Defense and the people of America and Korea are forever grateful.”

In addition, Morris said his chapter had been told the Chicago office of the South Korean consulate general will be delivering “Ambassador for Peace” medals sometime this fall to those Iowa Korean War vets who applied for them last year.

Morris said he personally turned in the names of some 400 veterans, and many others who contributed.

We're hoping for a great turnout at Camp Dodge in July, and we appreciate the efforts of Morris and others who are helping us to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in “The Forgotten War.”

---