To the Editor:

An event commemorating the Korean War is scheduled at the Korean War Memorial in Wilsonville.  This function will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, and the public is invited.

  The Korean War began June 25, 1950, and continued to July 27, 1953, when the Armistice (cease fire) occurred at the cost of 37,000 American combat deaths.  (About the population of Keizer).  

  The Memorial is the largest of three in the Willamette Valley and is a teaching Memorial.  The names of the 297 Oregonians who died in combat are engraved on the granite wall in a beautiful setting in Memorial Park surrounded by Rose of Sharon bushes (the flower of the Republic of South Korea).  Also, there are engraved bricks purchased by donors.  

Donations gathered by the Oregon Trail Chapter of Korean War Veterans were the primary source of income for the building of the Memorial which was dedicated in 2000. The flags are illuminated for night viewing.

  Something new, is the opening of the Interpretative Center which has been three years in developing.  Displays of memorabilia, photos, a large map showing battle areas and a special feature of audible personal stories of Veterans which can be heard by phones.  Perhaps there will be a story of someone you know.

The Korean War will be 75 years and ongoing on July 27, 2025. The final peace documents have not been signed which makes the Forgotten War one of the longest wars in U.S history.

Bob Wickman, Korean War Veteran, Keizer

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