Korean War veterans honored at VA luncheon
CENTER TWP — It’s sometimes referred to as “the Forgotten War.”
But according to Sharon Coyle, director for the VA Butler Healthcare system, Veterans Affairs “will always remember, honor and support all those who served.”
That’s precisely the reason the Butler VA hosted its first Korean War Recognition Day event Thursday morning at Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center in Center Township. The luncheon was packed with retired servicemen, most of whom were on the ground in Korea.
July 27 is National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, which marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The agreement ended more than three years of fighting on the Korean Peninsula.
“As we gather this morning, we humbly thank all of you for coming as we honor the Korean War veterans who are here and living in the community,” Coyle said in her opening remarks.
“Today is a celebration of the commitment you made in defending our country and what we stand for as a nation. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we want to remind you of our sincere appreciation,” she said.
State Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, who serves as Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the House of Representatives, spoke of her grandfather, who was an airman in Korea.
“I don’t feel worthy to address all of you,” Scialabba said, “and I don’t think I ever will, because what you have given us is more than we can possibly ever return.
“Korean War veterans not only fought for their own country, but also stood in defense of liberty and human rights around the world. They forged alliances, bridged divides and protected the vulnerable, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage ... May we always hold their memory and your memory close to our hearts, and never forget the debt of gratitude we owe you.”
The entire event was born out of an experience that had a profound effect on Donna Croft, of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s General Richard Butler Chapter.
On National Vietnam Veterans Day, March 29, Croft said she was passing out pins with the chapter when she offered one to a man who said he was “just” a Korean War veteran, not a Vietnam War veteran. She approached Amy Tomko, chief of voluntary services at the VA, about ways to honor those who fought in Korea — and the idea took off from there.
“It’s overwhelming to see these men, see their faces, see that it means something to them,” Croft said.
Some of the veterans gathered at the luncheon, such as George Wallace, passed around photo albums from their time in service. Wallace was drafted into the Army, and fought from 1951 to 1953.
Wesley Taylor, who was also celebrating his 94th birthday on Thursday, spoke about his time in Korea as a member of the 92nd Field Artillery, Battery A, known as the “Red Devils.”
“I helped load shells for the tanks,” Taylor said.
The luncheon was followed by a resource fair where different VA departments had set up tables with information about various benefits for veterans.
The DAR also were giving out certificates and pins to the Korean War veterans who showed up to the fair who hadn’t been at the morning ceremony.
“More important than raising awareness, it’s making sure that these veterans know they mattered, that we know they mattered and that they feel we appreciate them and don’t forget,” Scialabba said.
