National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2024

( printed page 61009) Proclamation 10788 of July 25, 2024 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2024 A Proclamation On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of the American and Korean service members who fought valiantly in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. We hold in our hearts the memories of the 36,000 Americans and more than 7,000 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army soldiers who laid down their lives for the sacred cause of freedom. We recommit to upholding their legacy through our alliance with the Republic of Korea and by securing the future they gave everything for—one of peace, stability, and prosperity. Today, I am thinking of Korean War veterans like Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., USA (Ret.), whom I awarded the Medal of Honor to in 2021. Prior to his passing in April, Colonel Puckett was the last living Korean War veteran to have received the Medal of Honor. His story, though one of uncommon valor, was reflected in the experiences and trials of so many of our Nation's Korean War veterans—trudging through frozen rice paddies, fighting on the rocky terrain of the Korean Peninsula, and persisting in spite of the fact that the enemy often far outnumbered our troops. Like I said to Colonel Puckett and his family years ago: Though the Korean War is sometimes called the “Forgotten War,” the heroes who were there under his command will never forget his bravery, and neither will we. Our entire Nation owes a debt of gratitude to every Korean War veteran for their service and sacrifice. As we recognize the service and sacrifice of our Nation's Korean War veterans, we also remember the thousands of service members who went missing in action during the Korean War—we will never stop working to bring each of them home. Last year, I joined President Yoon of the Republic of Korea to mark the 70th anniversary of our countries' alliance. It is an unbreakable bond because it was forged in brav…