Sarbanes and Hoyer Introduce Legislation to
Recognize Korean War Veterans Association
July 27 is “National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day”
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Paul Sarbanes and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer today, National Korean War Veterans
Armistice Day, introduced legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate which would grant a
Federal Charter to the Korean War Veterans Association.
“On the day when we commemorate and honor the brave men and women who fought and gave the ultimate
sacrifice during the Korean War, it is appropriate that we recognize their struggles and sacrifices on
behalf of our grateful Nation,” said Sarbanes. “By moving forward and granting the Korean War Veterans
Association this federal charter, we are acknowledging their commitment to the ideals of our democratic
Nation and expressing our gratitude for their courage and their service.”
“Today we recognize and honor the 5.5 million Americans who fought and served during the Korean War and
we commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the armistice agreement with North Korea.,” said Hoyer. “Granting
this Federal Charter, at no cost to the government, is a small expression of our appreciation for the
extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our forces in Korea and will afford the Association the same status
as other major veterans organizations,” Hoyer added.
Louis Dechert, President of The Korean War Veterans Association, today thanked Senator Sarbanes and
Congressman Hoyer and said, “this important congressional action will take place on a significant date, July
27, the fifty-second anniversary of the temporary ceasefire which suspended the Korean War. We strongly
support this legislation and are grateful to Senator Sarbanes and Congressman Hoyer for their efforts on
behalf of the Korean War Veterans Association.”
The Korean War Veterans Association has over 18,000 members and is the only veterans organization
comprised exclusively of Korean War and Korean service veterans. It is one of the few such organizations of
its size without a Federal Charter. A Federal Charter would allow the Association to expand its mission and
further its charitable and benevolent causes. Specifically, it will afford the Korean War Veterans
Association the same status as other major organizations and would allow it to participate as part of select
committees with other Congressionally chartered veterans and military groups. A Federal Charter will also
help the Association gain Accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs which will enable its
members to assist in processing veterans’ claims.
The Korean War Veterans Association was founded and incorporated in New York State in 1987. It is the
oldest and largest veterans group organized around common service in Korea.
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Click HERE to view a DRAFT Copy of the Bill
(PDF File) |