South Korean delegation honors Navajo’s Korean War veterans
Special to the Times | Ravonelle Yazzie Representatives of South Korea honor Navajo Korean War Veterans with the “Ambassador for Peace Medal” on May 22 in Leupp, Ariz., at the Ranch Hands Ministry Church during the Honoring Korean War Veterans of the Navajo Nation & Navajo-Korean Fellowship Worship Service.
Special to the Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
South Koreans present Navajo Korean War Veterans with “Ambassador for Peace Medal” in recognition for the sacrifices made in the Korean War on May 22 in Luepp, Ariz., during the Honoring Korean War Veterans of the Navajo Nation & Navajo-Korean Fellowship Worship Service.
LEUPP
The Korean War became known as “The Forgotten War,” but South Koreans will never forget the service of Korean War veterans who sacrificed for the stability the nation now enjoys.
Special to the Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Representatives of South Korea honor Navajo Korean War Veterans with the “Ambassador for Peace Medal” on May 22 in Leupp, Ariz., at the Ranch Hands Ministry Church during the Honoring Korean War Veterans of the Navajo Nation & Navajo-Korean Fellowship Worship Service.
“I assure you all that to us Koreans, even though the Korean War began 66 years ago, your sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Consul of South Korea in Los Angeles Jaehoon Min veterans at a gathering Sunday. “In fact we Koreans feel your sacrifices every day, in our hearts, and in our country.”
In the years since the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict in 2010, South Koreans have developed a tradition of thanking small communities of veterans who fought in the three-year conflict.
A group of about 200 South Koreans traveled to Navajo to honor the sacrifices of Navajo veterans. An estimated 800 Navajos served in that war, and a delegation of around 100 South Koreans traveled to Leupp on May 22 to continue the tradition on the soil of the Navajo Nation. For many veterans gathered under the tent at Ranch Hands Ministry, it was the first time a group traveled across the world to express such gratitude.
Min presented the “Ambassadors For Peace Medal” to 35 Navajo veterans who served in the conflict. The event attracted 48 Navajo veterans, so organizers promised more medals would reach Navajo veterans at later dates.
Clarence N. Gorman, 85, of Chinle, had served in the conflict as well and received a medal at the event.
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