Farmers Weekly Review

By Stephanie Irvine

A humble gathering of veterans assembled at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery June 24 to honor those who served in the Korean War, known to many as “The Forgotten War” because it often fails to receive the attention it deserves.

The service was brief but resonant, a poignant reminder that the American military serves whether or not it is recognized.

In American history, World War II veterans are revered, their memory firmly cemented with honor and gratitude, a staple educational component in schools across the nation.

Vietnam Veterans, who endured immense vitriol upon returning home, are now often recognized as, by and large, most Americans today try to do their best to right the wrongs of the past and offer gratitude to Vietnam vets for their service.

While World War II and Vietnam veterans should be honored for their service, there was another war in between that is too often forgotten:

The Korean War.

“They skip Korea, for some reason, like it never happened,” Korean War-era veteran George Anthos said.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded South Korea by crossing the 38th parallel. Two days later, on June 27, President Harry S. Truman authorized U.S. military involvement to support South Korea. U.S. involvement was largely driven by fears of communist expansion and a threat to democracy.

The United States played a pivotal role in the conflict, deploying around 1.8 million service members, with roughly 37,000 Americans dying in combat. The war ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953, after three years of brutal fighting, resulting in South Korea’s sovereignty, but leaving the peninsula divided.

The “Forgotten War” was remembered on June 24, however, as the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad organized a commemoration ceremony to honor the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.

“Today is very important, because we lost 37,000 — that’s in three years,” Anthos said. “Maybe people forgot, like they said, they call the Korean War America’s ‘Forgotten War.’ Well, we didn’t forget.”

Dozens of people assembled in Shelter C in the sweltering, humid heat, saluting and covering their hearts as the Memorial Squad fired off three rifle volleys, listening to moving speakers, and honoring the veterans of the Korean War, including those killed in action, prisoners of war and those missing.

The ceremony was officiated by Roger Schnorr, Sam Martin and Mike Pagen, veterans who currently serve in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. They shared words of gratitude, stories on behalf of those who endured the war, and offered meaningful reflection on a war too many forget.

Two Korean War veterans participated in the ceremony: John P. “Jack” Gleason, a Korean War Army Infantryman, and Anthos, who together laid the memorial wreath.

“It was great,” Gleason said of the ceremony before adding, “Like everybody says, it’s the ‘Forgotten War,’ but not here,” gesturing to his heart.

ALNC Chaplain Dennis Mitzner gave a moving invocation, painting a snapshot of the hellscape those war veterans endured.

“On the solemn anniversary, we gathered not just to remember a conflict, but to honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the American troops who served. They were young men and women, many barely out of their teens, thrust into a brutal and unforgiving landscape,” Mitzner said.

He continued, calling attention to the incredible bravery and courage of the incredibly young men and women who served.

“From the frozen hell of the Chosin Reservoir, to the static grinding warfare along the 38th parallel, our troops displayed an unyielding spirit. They fought for freedom, for the protection of an innocent people, and for the principle that aggression must not continue.

“They endured unimaginable hardships, witnessed unspeakable horrors, and often paid the ultimate price.”

That’s the main thing to remember about the Korean War, Gleason said later.

“I just want people to remember the Korean War,” he said quietly. “We remember the guys who didn’t get back with us.”

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

Master of Ceremonies Roger Schnorr delivers a welcoming address at the 75th Anniversary Korean War Commemoration Ceremony as Sam Martin looks on. (Photos by Stephanie Irvine)

Ed Crobie plays taps in the distance for the ceremony.