WHEREAS, over seventy years ago, North Korea invaded South Korea, setting off the conflict that would become known as the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Allied forces, backed principally by the United States, quickly came to the aid of South Korea in defense of freedom and democracy; 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 40,000 American lives were lost in combat, 92,000 were wounded, and more than 8,000 listed as missing in action or taken prisoner; and
WHEREAS, these men and women who faced a formidable adversary and endured harsh conditions upheld our Nation's heritage of valor, tenacity, and honor during this important stand against Communist 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, 2022, as “NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS’ DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.