U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) and the South Korean consulate presented Ambassador for Peace Medals to over 100 Korean War veterans on Tuesday at California State University, Stanislaus.
The Honorable Han Dong-man, consul general of the Republic of Korea, honored area veterans with medals in an expression of appreciation from the South Korean Government for those who served during the Korean War; medals were awarded to living veterans and posthumously to their family members.
This year marks the 64th anniversary of the friendship and commitment between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
“We have a long-term commitment, we have a long-term friendship, and we appreciate the opportunity to show support for the courageous American, Korean, and allied troops that fought…” said Denham.
Also present were Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Stanislaus Military Academy, and the Joint Color Guard to help in recognizing those who served in the war.
Denham also recognized his staff member, Ricky Pal, a Wounded Warrior, for organizing the event, stating that Pal made it his personal mission find all area Korean War Veterans in effort to make sure they receive the honor and recognition they deserve.
"This is about veterans helping other veterans," said Denham.
The Korean War lasted from 1950 through 1953 beginning as a civil war between North and South Korea. The United Nations, under U.S. leadership, entered to aid North Korea, joining to support South Korea and the People’s Republic of China. As a result of the war, Korea was divided and the Cold War was brought to Asia.
