National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2002

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Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 7578--National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7578 of July 26, 2002

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Fifty-two years ago, armed forces from North Korea
shattered the peace as they crossed the 38th Parallel
and invaded South Korea. A 22-country force assembled
to face this Cold War challenge, and the majority of
them were Americans. The brave men and women of this
coalition fought courageously to defend a population
facing tyranny and aggression, and they succeeded in
defeating the invading forces.

During the Korean War, approximately 1.8 million
members of the United States Armed Forces fought in
places such as Pork Chop Hill, Pusan Perimeter, and the
Chosin Reservoir. During the intense fighting,
approximately 34,000 American lives were lost in
combat; 92,000 were wounded; and more than 8,000 listed
as missing in action or taken prisoner. Their
distinguished service reminds us of the words engraved
on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington--
``Freedom Is Not Free.''

As we face the challenges of a new era and a new war,
we look to America's Korean War veterans for their
example of dedication and sacrifice in defending
freedom. These men and women faced a formidable
adversary and endured harsh and bitter conditions in
upholding our Nation's heritage of valor, tenacity, and
honor during this important stand against Communist
aggression. For their gallantry in action, 131
servicemen earned our Nation's highest military award,
the Medal of Honor. More than 90 of them received the
award posthumously.

Forty-nine years ago, the Military Armistice Agreement
ended the fighting and stopped the spread of Communism
in Korea. In order to thank and honor veterans of the
Korean War and their families, America will commemorate
the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War through November
11, 2003. Today, as the Republic of Korea stands as a
strong, democratic, and progressive nation, we thank
our Korean War veterans for serving our Nation and the
world with courage and distinction. These patriots
advanced the principles and ideals upon which our
Nation was founded, and they helped promote liberty,
opportunity, and hope.

The Congress, by Public Law 104-19, as amended (36
U.S.C. 127), has designated July 27, 2002, 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,
2002, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I
call upon the people of the United States 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, 2002, 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-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B