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The Korean War Veterans Association-Ventura County Chapter 56 celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the end of the Korean War Saturday at Veterans Park in Santa Paula. Besides the American vets in attendance, there were several dozen Korean veterans on hand as well. |
Korean War vets mark 62nd
anniversary of war’s end
July 29, 2015
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula News
The Korean War Veterans Association-Ventura County Chapter 56 celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the end of the Korean War Saturday at Veterans Park in Santa Paula.
Besides the American vets in attendance, there were several dozen Korean veterans on hand as well. Also taking part was the Korean War Veterans Association and their President Hong Ki Park.
In addition, young people from the US & Korea Alliance Association helped out with the celebration. This organization was founded in Los Angeles by a dedicated group of veterans and supporters and is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by all who fought in the Korean War and to strengthening the ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
The keynote speaker for the day was Dr. Kyo “Paul” Jhin. During the Korean War he served as an interpreter for the U.S. Army. The mother of a U.S. Army Captain made it possible for Dr. Jhin to receive a full scholarship from Freed-Hardeman College in Tennessee in 1955. He eventually went on to earn a doctorate in mathematics education from Auburn University. He has the distinction of receiving three presidential appointments by Presidents Gerald Ford, President George H. Bush and President George W. Bush.
He told the gathering, “I am grateful to have been invited here today.” He also said it was an honor to have veterans from South Korea in attendance. He told the Ventura County Korean War vets, “Veterans groups around the country need to copy you. Today we are celebrating remembering those who died. Because of their sacrifice Korea has been transformed. Korea went from nothing to something. Today it is one of the richest nations in the world. The United States’ strongest ally in the world is South Korea. Korea says not only thank you in our words but in our actions.
After a reciting of the names Ventura County people who died in Korea, dozens of wreaths were place at the memorial in Veterans Park. That was followed by the Stars and Stripes folding ceremony and a three-volley rifle salute. The program ended with the playing of Taps by Rudy Arellano.
