60th Anniversary of the Korean War

60th Anniversary of the Korean War

What is it'

June marks the beginning of the 60th Anniversary commemoration of the Korean War. On June 25, 1950, at 4 a.m., the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th Parallel with 135,000 men and the invasion of the South began. The outnumbered Republic of Korea Army did not have effective ground weapons or combat aircraft and suffered heavy casualties. Today the South Korean people say "6-2-5" (pronounced yoo-gee-o), June 25th, to remember the beginning of the war that divides their homeland to this day.

What has the Army done'

A Joint Korean War 60th Anniversary Commemoration Committee (60th AKWCC) has been formed to plan and execute events and memorials that highlight various battles and accomplishments. The commemorations will take place over three years, ending with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. The Army is the lead service for the committee, which will consist of a general officer equivalent and a staff of full and part-time action officers. The kickoff event was held in the Pentagon courtyard on June 24 with many more events and activities planned.

What efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

While still in the early stages of planning, the 60th AKWCC will oversee a full slate of commemorative activities, in the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, under the auspices of the U.S. Forces Korea and Eighth U.S. Army. The commemorative program generally will follow the timeline of key events as they transpired 60 years ago and include ceremonies, military history exhibits, educational materials and public outreach programs designed to inform the public of this important chapter in America's military history and simultaneously honor the service and sacrifice of America's veterans.

Why is this important to the Army'

The Korean war still offers many lessons about the consequences of military unpreparedness, global strategy, combined operations and the courage and perseverance of the individual Soldier. The Army salutes the thousands of American and allied veterans who served and fought in war-torn Korea in 1950-1953 and beyond. Today's Soldiers are inspired by their courage and sacrifices as they too defend our freedoms around the world.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.history.army.mil/" target="_blank">U.S. Army for Military History</a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/features/koreanwar/" target="_blank">60th Anniversary of the Korean War</a>

<a href="http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/korea.asp " target="_blank"> National Museum of the U.S. Air Force</a>

<a href="http://eng.koreanwar60.go.kr/" target="_blank">60th Anniversary of the Koran War Commemoration Committee</a>

<a href="http://www.kw60project.com/ " target="_blank">Korean War Memorial Project</a>

<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd'bill=h111-4234 " target="_blank">Korean War 60th Anniversary Memorial Committee</a>

<a href="http://armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/06/remembering-our-korean-war-veterans/" target="_blank">ArmyLive: Remembering our Korean War Veterans</a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/media/amp/'bctid=102201273001" target="_blank">Video: 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Ceremony, part 1</a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/media/amp/'bctid=102201271001" target="_blank">Video: 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Ceremony, part 2</a>