Updated at 2:39 p.m., Monday, June 25, 2007
Korean War anniversary observed at Punchbowl
By Kim Fassler
Advertiser Staff Writer
The wreaths were part of the annual ceremony hosted by local veterans to acknowledge that 57 years have passed since the start of the war on June 25, 1950.
Nearly 500 people attended the event at Punchbowl Crater, many of whom were Korean and American veterans of the war from seven local veteran chapters.
Near the end of the ceremony, amidst 28,778 names of missing servicemen inscribed in the Courts of the Missing, the audience shared a moment of silence for those who were prisoners of war or missing in action.
"On this 57th anniversary, we remember the human casualties and hope that it is enough to promote democracy throughout the rest of the world," Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said at the event.
Often called "The Forgotten War," the Korean War raged for three years beginning in 1950 and ended when a cease-fire was called on July 27, 1953. Members of one of the local veteran organizations said they and their colleagues will also gather next month to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the war's conclusion.
