Governor Stein Proclaims National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, on June 25, 1950, armed forces from North Korea 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; and the brave men and women of this coalition, the majority of whom were Americans, fought courageously to defend people from tyranny and aggression and succeeded in defeating the invading forces; and 

Whereas, during the Korean War, from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, the 2 million American men and women who answered their country’s call to duty fought in places such as Pork Chop Hill, Heartbreak Ridge, Chipyong-ni, Pusan, and the Chosin Reservoir; and 

Whereas, more than 36,000 Americans lost their lives and more than 103,000 were wounded; 7,500 Americans remain unaccounted for to this day; their distinguished service reminds us of the words “Freedom Is Not Free” engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; 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 and the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are proud of the men and women who fought and died in the Korean War to defend democracy, liberty, and human rights around the world;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2026, as “National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-third day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.