Washington, D.C. - This week, the United States Senate unanimously approved a resolution designating 2012-2013 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the war, and honoring and contributions and sacrifices made by the veterans.  The resolution was authored by Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), the bipartisan co-chairs of the Senate Army Caucus and both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. 

"The United States Senate stands together in awe and humble appreciation of the sacrifices and contributions of our Korean War veterans on this 60th anniversary," said Senator Akaka.  "Without them, our world today would be a much different place.  I am especially proud to have led this effort with my good friend and brother Senator Inhofe.  Though we may have differing opinions on many issues, there is no distance between us when it comes to honoring our veterans and service members.  I have valued his friendship and collaboration over the years."

The resolution (S.Res.602) was cosponsored by Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), Mark Udall (D-Colorado), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).  It passed the Senate by unanimous consent on November 27th. 

The full text of the resolution:

RESOLUTION

Designating 2012-2013 as the `Year of the Korean War Veteran' and recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

Whereas, on June 25, 1950, the Communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea began the Korean War by invading the Republic of Korea with approximately 135,000 troops;

Whereas nearly 1,800,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served along with the forces of the Republic of Korea and 20 other Allied nations in the Korean theater of operations to defend freedom and democracy in the Korean Peninsula;

Whereas, during the Korean War, 36,574 people from the United States died and 103,284 people from the United States were wounded in some of the most horrific combat and weather conditions in the history of warfare;

Whereas almost 60 years have passed since the signing of the cease-fire agreement at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, and the Korean Peninsula still technically remains in a state of war;

Whereas the Korean War has for many years been a `Forgotten War' for people in the United States;

Whereas Korean War veterans deserve to be recognized by the people of the United States for their honorable and courageous service in defense of democracy and freedom during the Korean War;

Whereas the tide of communism on the southern 1/2 of the Korean Peninsula was halted, liberty triumphed over tyranny, and the Republic of Korea has developed into a modern and prosperous democracy because of the selfless sacrifice of the Korean War veterans;

Whereas the people of the United States and the Republic of Korea are eternally grateful to the Korean War veterans;

Whereas the history of the Korean War should be included in the curriculum of schools in the United States so that future generations never forget the sacrifices of the Korean War veterans and what those veterans accomplished;

Whereas the Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee will implement a national campaign to honor the Korean War veterans, remember those Korean War veterans still counted among the missing in action, and educate the people of the United States concerning the ongoing relevance of the Korean War; and

Whereas the commemorative campaign will include ceremonies in the United States and the Republic of Korea in recognition of the beginning (June 25, 1950) and the armistice ending hostilities (July 27, 1953), as well as a national media and outreach campaign for Veterans Day 2012 to honor the Korean War veterans: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--

        (1) designates 2012-2013 as the `Year of the Korean War Veteran';

        (2) recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Korean War; and

        (3) honors the contributions and sacrifices made by the Korean War veterans.