‘Without you, this day would have gone unnoticed.’
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Post Trustee Ike Reeves placed the VFW Memorial Wreath on the Veterans Memorial marker honoring those who gave their lives during the Korean War and for those who served and have since passed. (Leon Aldridge photo/The Light and Champion)
Shelby County Veterans of Foreign Wars 8904 members, Auxiliary, and friends gathered at the Veteran’s Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center Thursday, July 27 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending the Korean War. Post Sr. Vice Commander Mike Wulf welcomed the attendees.
Post Chaplain Kenneth Ramsey gave the opening prayer: “O Lord, we thank you for the sacrifices our Korean veterans made for us and for peace. We gather here in these moments to remember them. May this day be a day of commemoration and honor to those who sacrificed to give South Korea's liberty and assure greater freedom in our world – amen.”
After leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, Wulf began the commemoration. “Good morning and thank you all for taking time to join us in remembering the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Armistice which ended the Korean War that lasted from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. Seventy years ago today, the Korean War ended. Hundreds of thousands of Americans served their country in that war, and many gave their lives.
“Some call the Korean War the forgotten war, but those Americans who served during that time will never be forgotten by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They served honorably and with distinction,” said Wulf.
“Some called it the Korean ‘conflict.’ It was not a conflict; it was a war with 33,686 battle deaths, 2,830 non-battle deaths, 103,000 wounded, and still missing in action from the Korean War are over 7600 Americans,” Wulf said. “We can never thank and recognize those who served during this time enough.”
The Post Sr. Vice Commander continued, “During the Korean War seven citizens of Shelby County were among those killed in action. One is still missing in action. Four others were former prisoners of war. We will now have a roll call of honor.”
Auxiliary President Mary Fausett read the names of those killed in action. Named were Floyd Harris, killed in action September 24, 1950, Clifford Hughes, killed in action August 13, 1950, Johnny V. Mena, killed in action April 19, 1951, Bobbie F. Mock, killed in action November 22, 1950, Billy Clyde Stephenson, killed in action November 5, 1952, Leonard Williams, killed in action May 18, 1951, and Willie J. Wilson, killed in action May 27, 1951.
Auxiliary Secretary Jan Ramsey read the names of the four Shelby County veterans who were also at one time prisoners of war in Korea. Named were Hubert L. Langford – North Korean POW, Pearl D. Lucas – North Korean POW, Billy Lee Wescoat – Chinese POW, and Leonard Scott – North Korean POW.
Wulf noted that missing in action since August 12, 1950, is Willie E. Windham.
Wulf asked if anyone present knew of a Korean War veteran they would like to remember. Several responded with names of family and friends.
Post Trustee Ike Reeves placed the VFW Memorial Wreath on the Veterans Memorial marker. Past Post Commander and bugler Gene Hutto sounded taps for those who gave their lives during the Korean War and for those who served and have since passed.
“Without remembrance sacrifice is meaningless,” said Wulf. “The sacrifices made by Korean War veterans will never be forgotten by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliary.
“Again, thank you for taking the time to be here today, Wulf concluded. “Without you this day would have gone unnoticed in Shelby County, Texas.”
Wulf announced the next patriotic gathering at the Veteran’s Memorial August 31 to remember those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2010.
