Ruiz noted that the signage has gone up considerably in cost: “The original ones were about $800 each, the second around $1,300 each and almost $2,000 for the last four.”Homage to those who fought and died in the Korean War is also paid at Veterans Memorial Park, where a separate monument lists those who lost their life in the conflict.President Truman ordered Air Force and Navy troops to Korea on June 27, 1950, two days after North Korean forces invaded South Korea and the United Nations asked for troops to restore peace. United States ground forces and air strikes against North Korea were approved on June 30, 1950. By the time the war was over, over 140,000 Americans had died or were wounded in combat.
|
Vets saluted by Highway 126 Korean War Veterans Memorial signs
May 28, 2003
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesThe Korean War Veterans Association-Ventura County Chapter 56 found themselves in an enviable position: they had raised the money to complete the series of signs denoting the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, but had to wait two years for approval.Now, signs honoring the veterans who served in the Korean War stretch along Highway 126 from Highway 5 to the 10.The signage effort has been ongoing for years, noted Richard Ruiz of Santa Paula, a Korean War veteran.Commander David Lopez had founded the effort to have commuters along Highway 126 bear witness to the contribution of veterans who fought and died in the 1950-1953 Korean War.Now there are 12 signs in all, split facing east and west, funded by donations and a series of fundraisers held over the years. Assisting in the effort was the Mercer-Prieto VFW Post #2043, an organization that Ruiz is also active in as Post Quartermaster.
