WHEREAS, on June 25, 1953, armed forces from North Korea shattered the peace as they crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea; and
WHEREAS, 21 countries formed a United Nations Command (UNC) force to face the Cold War challenge, the majority of which were Americans; the brave men and women of this coalition fought courageously to defend a population facing tyranny and aggression, and they succeeded in defeating the invading forces; and
WHEREAS, during the Korean War, approximately 1.8 million members of the United States Armed Forces fought in places such as Pork Chop Hill, Pusan Perimeter, and the Chosin Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, during the war, approximately 36,500 American lives were lost in combat; more than 103,000 were wounded; and more than 7,500 remain listed as missing in action or taken prisoner; their distinguished service reminds us of the words engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., “Freedom Is Not Free"; and
WHEREAS, these men and women faced a formidable adversary and endured harsh conditions in upholding our nation's heritage of valor, tenacity, and honor during this important stand against authoritarian aggression; and
WHEREAS, today, as the Republic of Korea stands as a strong, democratic, and progressive nation, we thank our Korean War veterans for serving our nation and the world with courage and distinction; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud of the men and women who fought and died in the Korean War to defend democracy, liberty, and human rights here and across the world;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2023, as “NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.