LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring veteran Jong Soo Park upon the occasion
of the recognition of his distinguished military service at a Memorial
Day celebration on May 23, 2014

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor veteran Jong
Soo Park upon the occasion of the recognition of his distinguished mili-
tary service at a Memorial Day celebration on May 23, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 29, 1946 in Chung-chung-nam-do, Korea, Jong Soo
Park was deployed to Vietnam on June 15, 1966; he served his country in
the Vietnam War as part of the Republic of Korea Marine "Blue Dragon"
Brigade, one of the three main units deployed to Vietnam to fight along-
side United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, During his participation, Jong Soo Park fought in the Battle
of Tra Binh, which is known as the most famous battle fought by the
Republic of Korea Marines during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, During battle, approximately 300 Korean soldiers were
attacked in two directions by more than 1,500 men from the Vietnam
People's Army; Jong Soo Park and his fellow Korean soldiers, rather than
abandoning their position, fought with all their might, successfully
winning the Battle of Tra Binh; and
WHEREAS, After serving in the Vietnam War for approximately one year,
Jong Soo Park was honorably discharged on May 14, 1976; he then served
in the Republic of Korea Marines until December 30, 1968; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Jong Soo Park immigrated to the United States, and
operated a restaurant; eight years later, he became an owner of a local
grocery store; and
WHEREAS, Jong Soo Park became the Vice Chairperson for the Korean
Marine Corp Veterans Association of Eastern United States of America in
1994, and currently serves as the Treasurer of the organization; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Jong
Soo Park demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore,
the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor veteran Jong Soo Park upon the occasion of the recognition of his
distinguished military service at a Memorial Day celebration on May 23,
2014; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to veteran Jong Soo Park.