Congresswoman McCollum' Statement on 60th anniversary of the Korean War

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize America's Korean War Veterans and their service to the United States on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

On June 24th, 2010 the Department of Defense marked the beginning of a three year observance period for the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. I commend the Secretary of Defense for choosing to honor the sacrifices of our Korean War veterans. The American men and women who served in the Korean Theater sacrificed at great cost to protect our national security by preventing the expansion of communism on the Korean Peninsula. The legacy of their efforts is the democratic freedom enjoyed by the people of South Korea. The collective cost to the United States was terribly high, including more than 36,000 killed, 92,000 wounded, 7,000 taken prisoner of war, and 8,000 missing in action.

Our country owes all veterans of this conflict a great debt for their service.