On Tuesday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m., the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas will host a Korean War Remembrance Ceremony in Brevard to commemorate June 25, 1950, the 74th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. The ceremony is intended as a tribute to America’s military veterans who fought and died to preserve the existence of the Republic of [South] Korea. It will also be a tribute to the resilient and industrious people of South Korea, who suffered a brutal attack but persevered and prevailed, going on to build one of the world’s most vibrant economies and democratic societies.
The Korean War was one of the most destructive conflicts in history. During its three-year duration (1950-1953), every major Korean city was devastated, and an estimated 2½-3 million people perished. It was the first military action of the Cold War, pitting the Communist forces of North Korea, China, and the Soviet Union against the United States and 20 other member-countries of the United Nations. Nearly 37,000 Americans lost their lives defending South Korea, and more than one million South Koreans (civilian and military) died as a result of intense battles and many months of attrition warfare.
The museum’s Korean War Remembrance Ceremony will be held at Ingram Auditorium on the campus of Brevard College.
The ceremony will feature:
A presentation by Tom Comshaw, U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, currently of Campobello, South Carolina. Tom’s combat service kept indispensable F-86 jet fighters armed and flying over Korea. Tom will share his reflections on both serving in Korea and living with the Korean people during a harrowing time. Post-war, Tom has served as a past-president of the Korean War Veterans Association, Foothills Chapter #301.
The ceremony will highlight the recognition of Korean War veterans currently residing in Western North Carolina and the Greenville, South Carolina area. Messages of respect and gratitude will be conveyed by Maureen Copelof, Mayor of Brevard, NC as well as by representatives of the Consul General of the Republic of Korea, North Carolina’s Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, and Congressman Chuck Edwards.
In addition to honoring veterans, the ceremony will share examples of traditional Korean culture. Two short performances have been arranged by Ms. Sara Yoon of the Korea Center of Greenville, SC. The Korea School Children’s Choir will sing the captivating melody Arirang, which anyone who has visited Korea (in peacetime or wartime) will cherish. And the Korea Center’s Adult Dance Team will perform the exquisite Korean Fan Dance. As an additional cultural treat, a sample of traditional Korean finger-food, will be served at the program intermission. The intermission will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet the veterans, speakers, and performers.
Korean War Remembrance Ceremony Recap
DATE:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
TIME:
2:00–4:00 p.m.
2:00–4:00 p.m.
VENUE:
Ingram Auditorium, Dunham Hall , 1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712
(signage on campus will guide you)
Ingram Auditorium, Dunham Hall , 1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712
(signage on campus will guide you)
ADMISSION:
Free (including complimentary Korean finger-food)
Free (including complimentary Korean finger-food)
Fan Dance
This ceremony is presented by the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas as part of our history series of guest speakers. We invite you to join us for this free program, which will also be livestreamed on Facebook beginning at 2:00 p.m. EDT on June 25. The recorded program will also be available online later the museum’s website. For more information, please call 828-884-2141.
Can’t wait hugs Maggie
My daddy served in the Korean War . He passed away in 2020 at age 90. He was very proud of his country and having served in this war. For many years he never spoke of the experience. As he grew older he was able to talk more about the devastation and hardship of that war. I am very proud of him for serving from 1951-1953. He did not receive his purple heart until the 50th anniversary of the The Korean War. He was so proud to finally receive the medals but he always said others were more deserving of them than he.
In memory: Ferman White Hux, Enfield, NC
Thanks for posting, Mike. I think the event (178 attending) surpassed everyone’s expectation. And thanks for your help.