Recognizing the Completion of the First Korean War Memorial Monument Built in the City of Fullerton

Floor Speech

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Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and venerate the more than 54,000 American lives lost during the Korean War. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean soldiers crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. The violence immediately drew international attention, and on June 27, 1950, President Harry S. Truman ordered United States air, sea, and ground forces to assist the Republic of Korea.

All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to our nation's soldiers, ground troops, sailors, airmen, coast guards, and marines who fought and died defending the world's model of freedom, democracy, and justice.

In that vein, Koreans and Korean Americans have led a major effort to design, construct, and oversee a monument that recognizes the extraordinary bravery of those American service members who lost their lives during the Korean War.

Led by the Orange County Korean War Memorial Committee, of which I am a member, the historic Korean War Memorial Monument will be dedicated November 11, 2021, on America's Veterans Day. Located in the northern part of Hillcrest Park, adjacent to the Duck Pond, the monument will be the first in America to feature the inscribed names of all 36,591 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on the Korean Peninsula, 2,612 of whom were Californians.

Through this effort, there will be ongoing dialogue about the Korean War's historical significance, while promoting awareness and reminding the public of the noble sacrifice made by America's fallen veterans.

Please join me in commending the work and dedication of the volunteers and officials from various agencies who helped turn the dream of a Korean War Memorial into reality. By doing so, a permanent monument now stands to honor the 36,591 fallen heroes who so valiantly gave their lives to protect freedom.

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