County Council honors Shoreline and LFP veterans of the “Forgotten War”

Dwight Stevens of Shoreline, Jim Adams of Lake Forest Park,
with County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
Dwight and Jim are also WW II vets
Rod is the son of a Korean War vet

Recognizing those who fought in the Korean War on the 60th Anniversary of the armistice

On July 27, 1953, the armistice ending the Korean War was signed. On Monday, July 22, 2013 the Metropolitan King Council recognized those who fought in the conflict as the U.S. and the Republic of Korea mark the 60th anniversary of the armistice.

Labeled as the “Forgotten War,” the impact and history of the Korean War resonates throughout King County and the rest of Washington State. A Korean War memorial was constructed over 20 years ago in Olympia. There are an estimated 55,000 Korean War Veterans statewide, with approximately 10,000 living in King County.

The Dembowskis - Rod, Al, Dwight
Al Dembowski is a Korean War vet.

For Councilmember Rod Dembowski, one of the Korean War Veterans is his father, Al Dembowski.  

“It’s a privilege to be able to honor those who served and to celebrate the contributions of the Korean American Community to King County,” said Councilmember Dembowski. “The enduring friendship between the United States and The Republic of Korea has paid immeasurable dividends to both countries. We owe our Veterans the highest gratitude for their contributions to peace and prosperity.”

Young Wan Song, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle
flanked by Rod Dembowski and a veteran

Young Wan Song, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, provided remarks and recognized the Korean War Veterans that attended today’s ceremony.

“Today, on behalf of the Korean people and government, I have the honor to present Ambassador of Peace medals to Korean War Veterans,” said Song “They went to rescue South Korea during the Korean War and fought heroically against North Korean aggressors. These heroes are living testimony to our 60 years of alliance. Thanks to their great dedication and sacrifice, South Korea could achieve what it is and avoid what it is not. With this medal, I respectfully convey sincere gratitude of my country to them and their families. I sincerely hope that our heroes stay strong and healthy in order to witness a reunified Korea, a dream to be realized in the near future.”