From staff reports:

With the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War this week, the King County Council recognized the local veterans who fought in what is now commonly known as the “Forgotten War.”

According to the county, there are approximately 10,000 veterans of the Korean War living in King County, and 55,000 veterans of the war statewide.

Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who represents South King County and the large Korean population that lives here, said this recognition is well deserved.

“The legacy of joint service forged between the American veterans of the Korean War and the Korean people has fostered a special relationship between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, which unites us not only through our common values, but economically and militarily as well,” von Reichbauer said in a news release. “As a councilmember who represents a large Korean-American population, I am especially pleased to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Korean Armistice, and the incredible sacrifices made by our veterans.”

Young Wan Song, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, said his country owes a deep debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made 60-plus years ago by America’s fighting forces.

“Today, on behalf of the Korean people and government, I have the honor to present Ambassador of Peace Medals to Korean War Veterans,” Song said. “They went to rescue South Korea during the Korean War and fought heroically against North Korean aggressors. These heroes are living testimony to our 60 years of alliance. … I sincerely hope that our heroes stay strong and healthy in order to witness a reunified Korea, a dream to be realized in the near future.”