Each year, both the United States and South Korea observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27. The observance began as a way of commemorating and recognizing the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in a longstanding war. The Korean War is a significant chapter in American history in which approximately 50,000 American troops died. More than 100,000 were wounded, among them thousands of eye casualties. Thousands more were held captive as prisoners of war.

The armistice was signed by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William Harrison Jr. and U.S. Army Gen. Mark W. Clark, representing the United Nations Command; North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and Gen. Nam Il, representing the South Korean army; and Peng Dehuai, representing the China’s People’s Volunteer Army. The armistice established the demilitarized zone, put into force a cease-fire, and finalized the repatriation of war prisoners who wished to be repatriated.

Please take a few moments tomorrow (Saturday) to reflect on the service and sacrifices of U.S. troops who served in Korea, especially those who later became BVA members. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation will commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement at 10:00am at the Korean War Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Click on the button below for additional information and registration. On this occasion there are no live webcasts of the proceedings.