Photo By Spc. Jacob Fontenot | U.S. Army veterans, who served in the Korean War, salute during the National Anthem at the 2024 Korean War Armistice Day Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony in Duluth, Ga., July 26, 2024.
Each year in late July since 1990, the American Korean Friendship Society hosts a commemorative observance to remember the 740 Georgians killed in the Korean War and to honor all Korean War veterans residing in Georgia.
The Korean War Armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, marking the end of a brutal conflict that left an indelible mark on both nations. This year, the commemoration took place on July 26 at the 1818 Club in Duluth, Georgia. At 11 AM, a sense of reverence filled the air as veterans, officials, and community members gathered to pay their respects.
“When we started this dinner in 1991, we had 370 Korean War veterans attend that evening, and now we can’t even get two dozen Korean War veterans,. Many of them gone to God, and many unable to attend. It’s such an emotional, such a sad thing. However, our gratefulness is always there and never ending.” Mr. Sunny Park, President of the American Korean Friendship Society.
Spearheaded by the President of the American Freedom Society, Mr. Park. The event was a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the United States and South Korea’s alliance as they continue to stand side by side in unity. Among the esteemed guests in attendance were the Honorable Chris Karr, Attorney General of Georgia; Major General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson, Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense; Mr. Sunny Park, President of the American Korean Friendship Society; The Honorable Seok Woo Kim, Deputy Consul General, Republic of Korea (ROK), and many other significant attendees. Their presence underscored the significance of this day and the shared commitment to honoring the legacy of those who fought and sacrificed during the Korean War.
Wreaths were laid by fellow Korean War veterans, representatives from the Korean Government, the Georgia National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve, the USO, Hyundai Motor Group, the Federation of Korean American Associations in the Southeastern US, and various organizations within the Korean American community in Atlanta. Each wreath represented a tribute to the fallen and a gesture of unity and remembrance. As the ceremony unfolded, speeches resonated with gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, as well as with a renewed sense of purpose for the future. Major General Jan Norris, the commanding general of the 335th Signal Command (T), participated in the touching wreath-laying ceremony alongside the American Korean Friendship Society, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past while looking ahead to the shared opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the United States and South Korea.
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