Construction continues outside the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Monday ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. [Getty Images]
Construction continues outside the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Monday ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. [Getty Images]

A resolution honoring the sacrifices of Korean War veterans was introduced in the US House of Representatives on the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.

Reps. Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the resolution Monday, recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of Korean War veterans and Korean Defense Veterans.

The resolution noted that the Korean War "has become a forgotten war for many Americans" and that many of those who served "returned home without the welcome and recognition afforded to the heroes of World War I and World War II."

It also cited the deaths of 36,574 US service members and the wounding of 103,284 others during the conflict.

The resolution honored not only Korean War veterans but also service members who died maintaining the armistice after the ceasefire was signed, designating them "Korean Defense Veterans."

The resolution noted that the Korean Peninsula has technically remained in a state of war since the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, that approximately 25,000 US troops are currently stationed in South Korea, and that hundreds of service members have lost their lives maintaining the armistice regime.

It said Korean War veterans and Korean Defense Veterans "deserve recognition from all Americans for their honorable service in defense of democracy and freedom, both during and after the Korean War," adding that "the people of the United States and the Republic of Korea express their eternal gratitude to Korean War veterans and Korean Defense Veterans."

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Susie Lee (D-NV) and Grace Meng (D-NY) also joined as co-sponsors.

Tributes from lawmakers followed.

House Republicans posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "We honor the 1.8 million Americans who answered the call of the 'Forgotten War'" and that they "fought through brutal cold, relentless fire, and unimaginable hardship so that freedom could prevail." The statement added: "Their courage still echoes across generations. We will never forget their sacrifice," and extended thanks to "all Korean War veterans and their families."

Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote on X that on the anniversary of the armistice he remembers "those who answered the call of duty and served with dedication," expressing hope that "we never forget the courage and sacrifice they showed to protect our nation's freedom and enduring values."

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) said "their courage, selflessness, and sacrifice in defense of freedom will never be forgotten," while Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) said she honors "the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who fought for freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula."


yckim6452@heraldcorp.com