Dear Members and Fellow Veterans,
The beautiful Rose of Sharon
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The last time that I was in Washington, the air was full of windblown Cherry blossoms. And up on the
hill at Arlington National Cemetery the perpetual watch by the Honor Guard from the “Old Guard” continued
their silent vigil, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 (or 366) days of the year - 24/7/365.
Across Memorial Bridge almost two miles away at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the Mall another vigil
was being maintained by 19 eternal sentinels -24/7/365.
And, since the arrival of His Excellency Tae-Sik-Lee,
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, there has been a Memorial Wreath - 24/7/365, THE PEOPLE OF KOREA
NEVER CEASING IN HONORS TO OUR TROOPS, THEIR “GI’S.”
Many members have asserted that the KWVA was
created/born to build the National Memorial. Certainly Bill Norris felt that way judging from much of what
I have been able to read from his writings. The KWVA, the General Richard G Stilwell Korean War Veterans
Memorial Foundation (KWVMF), the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), and millions of others created
and built what many of us believe is the most moving and appropriate war memorial on the Mall.
Then we
“stacked arms,” taking up our individual, local and regional concerns. After all, the Memorial Squad and
Reflecting Wall were forever, weren’t they? We should have know better—nothing is forever, especially if
those who should have the greatest care and concern for perpetuating it forget their role and responsibility
for the Memorial.
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A uniquely great American soldier is the Executive Director of the Memorial Foundation—Colonel Bill Weber.
Listen to Bill as he expresses his heartfelt concern for our Memorial below:
"The National Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a dramatic and tangible testament
to the service and sacrifices of a generation of American soldiery. It personifies the dedication of
our people to adhere to one of our most sacred principles that, "Freedom is Not Free" and that some
must bear the burden when a free people are threatened by armed subjugation. The Memorial honors those
who fought in the Korean War and, by extension, those who have since defended the freedom that was preserved
for the Republic of Korea and its' people.
Preservation of the Memorial in a pristine condition for
future generations is an obligation of our people. We place trust in the premise that such will be a
normal process by a governmental agency, specifically the National Capitol Region of the National Park
Service (NPS).
However, circumstances are such that the NPS is, at times, overwhelmed by the magnitude
of the task of maintaining all our national monuments and memorials, etc., as a result of Congressional
and Administration reductions in budgetary requests by NPS. Thus, NPS must 'prioritize' available funds
to meet the most critical need. The result is that some routine but necessary maintenance suffers and
a gradual deterioration is a potential that can lead to major problems. And, at the very least, a degradation
of the symbolism intended.
Consequently, those of our people most concerned about a specific memorial
or monument band together to ensure the foregoing can be avoided. They form non-profit 501, c, 3, Foundations
to raise funds to assist the NPS, when and if necessary, by providing grants to augment inadequate NPS
maintenance and repair funds for that memorial or monument. Almost every significant memorial and monument
in our Nation is so supported.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc., (KWVMFnd), was chartered
for the purpose of providing for the National Korean War Veterans Memorial. The KWVMFnd has a primary
goal of raising a Memorial Maintenance Endowment Fund so that the annual interest from such would, as
needed, guarantee that the NPS has the monetary resources to ensure timely, appropriate and required
maintenance and repair of our Memorial.
The KWVA is the ONLY veteran’s organization that has a proprietary
interest in the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the only organization that can be considered as representing
the totality of Korean War and Defense veterans of our nation. Thus, it is axiomatic that the KWVA should
commit full support to the mission of the KWVMFnd. The Memorial is our legacy to future generations
and speaks of the heritage we added to our Nation's history. If we don't ensure the future---who will?
KWVA members are urged to visit the KWVMFnd website for more details."
www.KoreanWarVetsMemFnd.org
Col William E Weber (USA-Ret)
Chairman, KWVMFnd
410 775-7733
Email: eagle187@direcway.com
If we don't ensure the future---who will?
I was asked to write this letter to every chapter telling you of the need—and the responsibility—concerning
our Memorial. It appears to me that we have taken too long a break from our Mission, from PERPETUATING
– REMEMBERING – MAINTAINING. We all need to take a lesson from Ambassador Lee- 24/7/365.
I
was asked to describe the need, in terms of our Mission, and challenge our members to take charge in reversing
the neglect of our heritage. I was glad to do so because I believe it is the type of thing that is our responsibility,
and something that we need to get busy carrying out. Fortunately, two great Chapters—Maryland Chapter 33
and Maryland Chapter 142, Frederick, stepped up to join with Colonel Weber and me on this project. They
have each pledged $2000 this year to the KWVMFnd through the sales of the Rose of Sharon, a most unique
fund raiser.
I am asking that each Chapter and Department President/Commander challenge their units to
do the same, or at least as much as they possibly can to answer this need-24/7/365. Please consider
doing so and write and tell me the results. We will be announcing a recognition program to acknowledge our
units as they carry out this important part of our Mission.
Please let Colonel Weber and me know what
you are doing. If sending a donation or remitting funds collected, make checks payable to the Memorial
Maintenance Fund and mail directly to:
Gen. RGS Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc.
920 East Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20003
Ph: 202-543-2127 Fax: 202-543-0724
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Thank you, each and everyone, as you respond to this latest challenge to the warriors of America’s longest
war, 1950-2006 and counting. You will find the advertisement for ordering the flowers below.
Louis T. Dechert
KWVA National President