www.WisVets.com/KWArmisticeDay

Anniversary of the Beginning of the Korean War 61 Years Ago

The Korean War began on June 25,1950 when North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th Parrellel to begin the war which divides Korea into North and South to this day. The fighting stopped July 27, 1953 with the Armistice agreement.

Our Korean War veterans have earned the gratitude of our state, our nation and the world.

The Department of Defense Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War began last year in the Pentagon courtyard June 24th. Under Secretary of the Army Dr. Joseph Westphal, the keynote speaker, stated "The Korean War thwarted the expansion of communism in Asia, introduced the helicopter to the United States armed forces, advanced the battlefield treatment of the wounded, and saw the desegregation of our Army," Westphal said. "From that war, the Republic of Korea has emerged as a vibrant democracy, an economic giant in Asia, and a strong, independent and respected voice among nations." The ceremony which honored veterans in attendance along with the more than 37,000 who died in the three-year war, marked the beginning of a three-year Department of Defense observance of key events of the Korean War that will culminate with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice on July 27, 2013. During the three year anniversary, the Commemoration will honor the service and sacrifice of Korean War Veterans, commemorate the key events of the war, and educate Americans of all ages about the historical significance of the Korean War.

On July 20, 2009, Governor Jim Doyle signed Senate Bill 75, now 2009 Wisconsin Act 35, designating July 27 of each year as “Korean War Armistice Day” in observance of the date of the military armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 as North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) invaded South Korea (Republic of Korea) as both North and South Korea aggressively sought to reunify both Republics under their own respective government. The fighting ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953. Recently, North Korea unilaterly withdrew from the armistice on May 27, 2009.

The United States and United Nations allied with South Korea while China was the main North Korean ally. About 132,000 service members from Wisconsin served during the Korean War, with 729 losing their lives. There are close to 46,000 Korean War veterans living in Wisconsin today.

2009 Wisconsin Act 35 Signed July 20, 2009

AN ACT to create 14.16 (15) of the statutes; relating to: the designation of Korean War Armistice Day.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. 14.16 (15) of the statutes is created to read:

14.16 (15) KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE DAY. To recognize the Wisconsin armed forces members who courageously served during the Korean War, July 27, the date of the military armistice agreement that ended that war, is designated as the “Korean War Armistice Day”. The governor shall issue annually a suitable proclamation for the observance of “Korean War Armistice Day” and request that some portion of the day be used for solemn contemplation on the sacrifices that members of the U.S. armed forces made during that war, including the death of over 700 Wisconsin citizens.

Korean War Links

Governor's Proclamation

WDVA Secretary's Statement

Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War

Korean War Veterans Memorial in Plover

Korean War Veterans National Memorial

Korean War Project

Wisconsin Korean War Stories

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Korean War Resources

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Korean War Galleries