[Congressional Bills 103th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.J. Res. 332 Introduced in House (IH)] 103d CONGRESS 2d Session H. J. RES. 332 Designating July 27 of each year as the ``National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day''. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 9, 1994 Mr. Montgomery introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Services _______________________________________________________________________ JOINT RESOLUTION Designating July 27 of each year as the ``National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day''. Whereas on June 25, 1950, the Communist army of North Korea invaded and attacked South Korea, initiating the Korean war; Whereas on July 27, 1953, the signing of the Cease Fire agreement ended the active combat of the Korean war; Whereas the Korean war was brought to an end primarily through the efforts of the United States Armed Forces; Whereas for the first time in history a United Nations Command was created, with the United States as the executive agent, to repel this invasion and preserve liberty for the people of the Republic of Korea; Whereas in addition to the United States and the Republic of Korea, 20 other member nations provided military contingents to serve under the United Nations banner; Whereas after 3 years of active hostilities, the territorial integrity of the Republic of Korea was restored, and the freedom and independence of its people are assured even to this date; Whereas over 5,700,000 American servicemen and women were involved directly or indirectly in the war; Whereas American casualties during that period were 54,246 dead, of which 33,629 were battle deaths, 103,284 wounded, 8,177 listed as missing or prisoners of war, and 329 prisoners of war are still unaccounted for; Whereas although the Korean war has been known as America's ``Forgotten War'', this Nation should never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought and died in Korea for the noble and just cause of freedom; Whereas the Congress and the President of the United States have enacted a law authorizing the establishment of a Korean war Veterans Memorial in the Nation's Capital to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of those who participated in the Korean war; Whereas increasing numbers of Korean war veterans are setting aside July 27, the anniversary date of the Armistice, as a special day to remember those with whom they served and to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in a war to preserve the ideals of freedom and independence; and Whereas by commemoration of the cease fire which started the longest military armistice in modern history it is right and appropriate to recognize, honor, and remember the service and sacrifice of those who endured the rigors of combat and the extremes of a hostile climate under the most trying conditions and still prevailed to preserve the independence of a free nation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That July 27 of each year is designated as ``National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day'' and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to urge the departments and agencies of the United States and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the American flag at half-staff on July 27 of each year in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea. <all>