Rahall at Sophia Korean War Memorial opening

by: Carnacki

Tue Jun 26, 2007 at 12:31:50 PM EDT

BECKLEY, W.Va. —  Although the Korean War officially ended nearly 54 years ago, the fight, for many veterans who served on the front lines, has continued as they struggled to gain recognition for what is often referred to as “the forgotten war.”

With Sunday’s opening of the Korean War Memorial in downtown Sophia, however, members of Chapter 156 of the Korean War Veterans say they hope to raise awareness of the war that left 54,246 dead, including 801 West Virginians.

“How do you forget 54,000-plus soldiers that died?” KWVA State President Frank Goff asked those who attended the dedication. “We’re a forgotten people. We don’t want the world or America to forget that we did have a war and we did fight for a cause.”

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Keynote speaker Congressman Nick Rahall praised the town of Sophia and everyone responsible for the construction of the monument, which he said will ensure “the bravery and sacrifices of men and women in the Korean War will be remembered for a long time to come.”

“It’s quite a moving event to have recognition of those who fought in the Korean War,” Rahall said. “It reminds us all of the sacrifices veterans of all wars have made for this country.”

It took 10 years of planning for this monument that comes 55 years after the cease fire truce was signed in Korea. I wonder how long it will be until we have a monument to those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan?