WHEREAS, the Korean War began on June 25, 1950, with the United States joining the Republic of Korea against the communist regime of North Korea, ending in a ceasefire, and signing of the armistice on July 27, 1953; and

WHEREAS, close to 2 million American men and women served in the Korean War theater, 33,000 died in combat, and 7,600 remain missing in action; and

WHEREAS, more than 106,000 Virginians served our nation in Korea, almost 1,000 sacrificed their lives, and some are still listed as missing in action; and

WHEREAS, Virginians served in Korea as members of the United States Armed Forces enduring violent combat and extreme weather conditions; and

WHEREAS, Korean War service members from Virginia, including Hospital Corpsman Francis C. Hammond of Alexandria and First Lieutenant Richard T. Shea, Jr. of Portsmouth, were recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for valor and representative of the highest traditions of valor and sacrifice in Virginia’s military history; and

WHEREAS, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recently announced that U.S. Army Private 1st Class Harold D. Wilder, 19, of Pennington Gap, Virginia, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for Feb. 17, 2023, after decades of being listed as missing in action; and

WHEREAS, the identification of PFC Wilder serves as a profound reminder of the dedication to returning every American soldier home, reflecting our nation's commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the Korean War, often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” was a time of significant hardship and valor, embodying the dedication and resilience of Virginians who fought bravely to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of Korean War veterans have strengthened the national defense, enhanced international relationships, and ensured the continuation of the freedoms enjoyed by all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Korean War veterans from Virginia have continued to serve their communities upon returning home, contributing to the growth, prosperity, and welfare of the Commonwealth in immeasurable ways; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to honor and remember the sacrifices of the brave Virginians who served during the Korean War, to educate current and future generations about their heroism, and to ensure their valor and sacrifices are never forgotten;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize July 27, 2024, as KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.