National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2018

Vol. 83

Tuesday,

No. 147

July 31, 2018

Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 9770--National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2018

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9770 of July 26, 2018

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of
the armistice that ended the fighting of the Korean
War. For 3 brutal years, our Armed Forces and allies
fought valiantly to stop the spread of communism and
defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula. On National
Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we remember the
bravery and sacrifices of those who fought and died for
this noble cause.

On the Korean Peninsula, our brave Soldiers, Sailors,
Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen fought with skill
and resolve against tyranny and oppression. Justice,
liberty, and democracy prevailed, but victory came at a
tremendous cost. More than 33,000 Americans were killed
in action during the Korean War, and more than 103,000
were wounded. Thousands more were captured and held as
prisoners of war. Many are still missing in action. We
will never forget these valiant patriots or their
families, who have endured unimaginable loss.

More than six decades after the cease-fire on the
Korean Peninsula, our relationship with South Korea
continues to flourish. We have forged a powerful
friendship built on respect, a mutual desire for
economic prosperity, and an unwavering commitment to
democratic values and peace through strength.

In contrast, our relationship with North Korea has been
hostile, due to continued threats to our allies, their
development of weapons of mass destruction and
ballistic missile programs, and ongoing human rights
violations. Last month's historic summit with Chairman
Kim Jong Un in Singapore, however, has offered a
renewed sense of hope for the future--including the
promise of complete denuclearization of the Korean
Peninsula. During this summit, I raised my concern for
the many American families who have been unable to
properly bury the loved ones they lost during the
Korean War and bring closure to this chapter in their
lives. As a result, Chairman Kim and I announced our
commitment to the recovery and repatriation of the
remains of Americans missing in action. My
Administration will fulfill our Nation's solemn duty to
bring our patriots home with dignity and honor.

Today, we honor our Korean War Veterans for their
immeasurable contributions to the cause of liberty. We
also salute members of the armed forces, past and
present, who have maintained an allied presence on the
Korean Peninsula since the 1953 armistice. Their
efforts to stave off aggression are worthy of our
highest respect and gratitude.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2018, 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.

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