Today the Senate commemorated Korean Vietnam War veterans when it adopted Senate Resolution 8670, sponsored by Sen. Paull H. Shin.
Korean soldiers fought alongside American troops during the Vietnam War in the quest for the protection of freedom, Shin said, including 325,517 Korean soldiers in Vietnam from 1964 until the last soldier left Saigon on March 23, 1973. Shin said 5,099 Korean soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice and 10,962 Korean soldiers were injured. As a consequence of war, it is estimated that 20 percent of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War suffer significant injuries including PTSD, total disability, and effects of Agent Orange. Some of the Korean Vietnam Veterans moved to the United States after the war.
Shin honored all veterans with a short floor speech and met with attendees at a reception after.
“When WWII ended, the Cold War began,” said Shin. “Korean soldiers fought side by side with American troops against communist expansions. I bring forward this resolution to remember that camaraderie, in defense of freedom and to honor their bravery and sacrifice.”
Among the attendees were Korean Consul General Haryong Lee, Chair of Korean Vietnam War Veterans, Mr. Chang Young Lee, Marine Corps League Detachment of Olympia, Dr. John Britcher and Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Director, John Lee.