It’s often called the “forgotten war,” but for families commemorating the 56th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, Saturday’s event was all about instilling memories.
In a colorful tribute celebrated with food, performances and speeches, the First Korean United Methodist Church feted veterans at its Wheeling house of worship.
Sunday marks the 56th anniversary of the war’s start.
As one of the largest Korean Christian congregations in the Chicago area, the church drew more than 200 war veterans, according to officials, and dozens of congregation members. Veterans arrived from throughout the Midwest, with several driving in from Indiana, Iowa and Downstate to accept a sincere gesture of thanks.
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“We Koreans appreciate the Korean War veterans and Americans,” said Rev. Kwamgtae Kim. “Without their help, there would be no Republic of Korea today. Fifty-five years have passed. Many people forget this meaningful fact.”
The gratitude was mutual.
“Go in the library; you’ll see the books lined up. World War I, World War II, then Vietnam, then the Gulf War. In many cases, it’s like we didn’t exist,” said Korean War veteran Leonard DeFabio, 78, of Chicago.
“These events help a little. It feels good. We certainly appreciate it.”
The war started on June 25, 1950, when communist North Korea fighters invaded South Korea before dawn.
Because the United States had begun demobilizing its military forces after World War II, American reservists were among the first to scramble to South Korea’s defense. An armistice was declared on July 27, 1953, but it remained years before the Americans’ role in the conflict was labeled a “war,” rather than “police action,” the veterans said.
“There has never been a formal peace treaty,” said U.S. District Judge Richard Mills, a retired major general in the Illinois State Militia who gave the keynote speech Saturday at the church at 655 E. Hintz Rd. “Thus an armistice designed to last 90 days has endured for over 53 years. And at enormous costs.” .
Americans suffered about 165,000 casualties, including more than 54,000 killed, in the war. There are more than 8,000 Americans still missing in action. Nearly 2 million Koreans died in the war.
Mills, who lives Downstate, later described the deep, longstanding friendships he has maintained with his Korean friends. He has returned to South Korea five times, and was there to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the cease-fire in 2003.
“The older generations are the ones who remember,” he said. “The younger generations don’t have near the concept … of the sacrifices made for our civilization.”
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