National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2001

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 7457--National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7457 of July 25, 2001

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The sounds of war thundered as a furious struggle took
place 51 years ago in a country unknown to many
Americans. The battleground that was Korea in the years
1950 to 1953 tested the resolve, courage, and
commitment of an America barely 5 years beyond the
tremendous sacrifices of World War II. Undaunted,
America again marshaled her forces to defend a
population facing tyranny and aggression.

Freedom for the Republic of Korea was purchased with
deep sacrifice and with honor. In 38 months of intense
fighting, 33,665 Americans gave their lives in battle.
Our Nation's highest military award, the Medal of
Honor, was awarded to 131 members of the U.S. Armed
Forces, more than 90 of them posthumously. Yet the
challenge of Korea was not just a formidable adversary,
but also a harsh and forbidding climate. The 1.8
million service men and women who served there suffered
bitter winters that would claim casualties approaching
those inflicted by guns, shrapnel, and bayonets. When
the Military Armistice Agreement, effective 48 years
ago, silenced the guns on the Korean peninsula, it
marked the end of the world's first determined stand
against Communist aggression. It signaled the beginning
of the Cold War, and foreshadowed the eventual
dismantling of global Communism.

Today, the liberties defended there half a century ago
are the inheritance of 47 million citizens of a
democratic, prosperous, and progressive Republic of
Korea. The young Americans who fought and died there
kept faith with a just cause, and in so doing, kept
faith with the principles and ideals on which our
Nation was founded. They immeasurably blessed the
Republic of Korea and brought great honor to our Nation
as a defender of freedom. Because of these truths, we
recognize the Korean War for what it was and is--not a
``forgotten war,'' but a remembered victory.

The Congress, by passing Public Law 104-19 (36 U.S.C.
127), has designated July 27, 2001, as ``National
Korean War Veterans Armistice Day'' and has authorized
and requested the President to issue a proclamation in
observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 27,
2001, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I
call upon all Americans to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and
give thanks to our distinguished Korean War veterans. I
also ask Federal departments and agencies and
interested groups, organizations, and individuals to
fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on July
27, 2001, in memory of the Americans who died as a
result of their service in Korea.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B