LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Korean
War

WHEREAS, Thousands of military personnel from the great State of New
York have served their country faithfully and courageously, with dedi-
cation and sacrifice, and are due the praise and just recognition of
this Legislative Body for their role in defense of our Nation's liberty
and freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, to be celebrated on
Friday, June 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Korean War Veterans Association of Greater New York is
publishing a collection of memories of those who served during the War;
this special project is to keep memories of the "forgotten war" alive
for future generations; and
WHEREAS, On June 25, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded South Korea
with approximately 135,000 troops, thereby initiating the Korean War;
and
WHEREAS, In response to a June 27, 1950, United Nations resolution
calling for assistance for the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Presi-
dent Harry S. Truman ordered American air and naval forces activated
and, on June 30, 1950, committed United States ground forces to the
Korean battle zone; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 5,720,000 members of the Armed Forces served
during the Korean War, of which 482,000 were from New York State, to
defeat the spread of communism in Korea and throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, The fighting lasted three years; during the 37-month-period
more than 54,000 Americans died; 33,651 were killed in action; there
were 103,000 Americans wounded; 8,177 missing in action; and 7,000 pris-
oners of war; and
WHEREAS, The death toll included 2,249 New Yorkers, with another 6,530
wounded; and
WHEREAS, The Korean War was the first direct conflict of the Cold War
between the United States and communist forces; and
WHEREAS, The Korean War was the first deployment of United States
troops to a combat zone to contain communist aggression; stemming the
spread of communism was a foreign policy goal during the Cold War; and
WHEREAS, The Korean War is referred to as the "forgotten war" because
it came on the heels of World War II and was overshadowed by the Vietnam
War; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated
on June 25, 1990, the fortieth anniversary of the start of the war; four
New Yorkers were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation's
highest military medal; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, acting on behalf of
the citizens of this Empire State to act now, with great respect and
reverent esteem, in honoring the members of the United States Armed
Services who have served their State and Nation so valiantly and honor-
ably in the defense of freedom and democracy during the Korean conflict;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to esteemed Korean War veterans organizations of New York State.