For Korean War veteran Alan Heidenreich of Manchester, America’s so-called “Forgotten War” doesn’t live up to the nickname historians have often assigned it.
“They call it the ‘forgotten war’ and every time I hear that I get a little concerned because I don’t think it’s forgotten,” he said. “We may be a little overlooked but we are not forgotten and we have the duty to make sure we are not forgotten.”
Heindenreich added that the war could not be deemed forgotten because of all who gave their life in one of the first conflicts of the Cold War.
“Certainly the families of Korean veterans and families of those who were lost (don’t forget),” he said. “A lot of us here lost close friends in the Korean conflict.”
Heindenreich, the Commander of the New Hampshire Korean War Veterans Association, was among a group of Korean War Veterans who reunited 64 years after a cease-fire brought an end to the conflict in a ceremony put on by the Korean-American Society of New Hampshire.
The Veterans, some of the 28,000 from the Granite State who served in the war, were honored in a ceremony at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, surrounded by memorials to veterans of all ages and flags bearing the colors of both the United States and South Korea.
Heidenreich said the accomplishments of these veterans were often overlooked.
“Everybody knows that Korea has freedom from fear because of all (these veterans),” he said.
The importance of their service was stressed by all the speakers at the ceremony.
Ohm Song-jun, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Boston, said the soldiers insured freedom for many Koreans, and they ought to be recognized for their efforts.
“Koreans believe that the peace and prosperity we enjoy could not be enjoyed on the Korean Peninsula without the engagement and the sacrifice of American soldiers.”
With the help of American soldiers, South Koreans were able to fend off invading Communist North Korea, Song-jun said.
“Thanks to your sacrifice, South Korea has become the 11th largest economy and a trading partner with the United States,” he said. “North Korea remains one of the poorest countries and is under a dictatorship.”
In addition to recognizing the efforts of veterans, Deputy Adjutant General of New Hampshire, retired Colonel Warren Perry, said these ceremonies help inspire current service members.
“People will join the military and serve based on how they think they will be remembered,” he said. “These types of ceremonies strengthen the resolve of the American soldier, sailor and airmen.”
Perry said the Korean War veterans served as an example for future generations to follow, despite their “forgotten” service.
“You set a fine example for the young men and women who are joining the forces today,” Perry told veterans in attendance. “They look to you as an example to do it right in the future.”
At the end of the ceremony, each of veteran was presented with a gift – a blue tie with interlocking American and South Korean Flags.
Heidenreich said he appreciated the gift and the recognition for his service.
“There’s always jokes about the men in the family getting a tie,” he said while chuckling. “Well (like those) I’m proud to wear it.”