- 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

World War II's Long shadow had barely lifted when US troops joined those of 16 other nations in answering their country's call to fight on the Korean peninsula.

Since 1950 over 3 million Americans have served in South Korea.

28,000 are still there today.

Many at risk as a result of lasting tensions along the demilitarized zone.

(explosion booms) The Korean War exploded in June 1950, when North Korea, with support from the Soviet Union and China launched a surprise attack against South Korea.

What became a three year ordeal of brutal fighting would come to involve more than 1.7 million Americans.

(dramatic music) During the first months of combat the enemy sought to push Allied forces off the Korean Peninsula at the Pusan perimeter.

A daring US amphibious landing at Inchon in September turned the tide of the war.

(explosion booms) Within two weeks of Inchon, US troops retook the capitol of Seoul.

Soon US forces were marching across the 38th parallel into North Korea, advancing to within miles of the Chinese border along the frozen Yalu River and the Chosin Reservoir.

Victory seemed almost at hand.

(dramatic music) (footsteps pounding) Then 300,000 battle ready Chinese troops struck hard and fast across the entire front.

(explosion booms) Their unrelenting attacks inflicted massive casualties and instilled terror.

Nothing could prepare our troops for the incredible hardships that followed.

Conditions on the ground became apocalyptic, savage, unforgiving winter weather compounded the effects of the relentless onslaughts.

(explosion booms) Ill equipped for the harsh conditions as many men froze in foxholes as they were killed by enemy guns.

(sad music) (wind howls) Korean civilians endured unspeakable suffering from the ravages of war.

3 million people were left homeless, a vicious never-ending stalemate persisted along hundreds of contested miles.

7,000 were taken prisoners of war and 3000 died from deprivation and torture.

The wounded numbered nearly 100,000.

Invisible scars would plague others for the rest of their lives.

36,000 Americans gave their lives in the course of this fierce and brutal conflict.

After two long years of negotiations an armistice, not a peace treaty, was signed on July 27th, 1953.

Finally, our troops began to head for home.

Tonight we honor those who fought and those who died in what was once called the Forgotten War.

With us this evening are veterans representing all those who served and sacrificed in Korea.

Please join us in thanking these true American heroes.

(audience cheers and applauds) Jerry Beydler, Narce Caliva, Steve Culbert, Paul Cunningham, James Diamond, Lew Ewing, Jack Keep, and Eleanor Porter.

(dramatic music) (audience cheers and applauds) (dramatic music)