Memorial Day honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
On this Memorial Day, the USS Midway Museum paid special tribute to those who served in the Korean War, what is sometimes called America’s "Forgotten War."
USS Midway Museum spokesman David Koontz explained, “It was a conflict in the early 1950s in between World War II and the Vietnam War. But we should always remember those who fought in this war.”
Retired Gunnery Sergeant Joe Kalla is a Korean War veteran.
“I landed at Inchon on September the 15th, Red Beach One. We moved in to take Seoul ten days later. Came back to Inchon, boarded the ship to make the landing at Wonsan and then we moved north,” Kalla said.
During the ceremony, he reflected on returning to Seoul, South Korea 69 years later, as a hero.
“Being a young guy, we knew we were there just to fight a war," Kalla said. “We didn’t really know what we were doing for those people and now they know it and they really appreciate us.”
Kalla spoke of the service people who lost their lives during the Korean War. “I’ll never forget anything about them. I love them a lot. They were good pals.”
Navy veteran Tom Crosby also spoke during the ceremony.
“The reason I joined the Korean War was to thank the United States of America for liberating my family and I after spending three years in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippine Islands in Manila,” Crosby said.
Crosby and his family were liberated on February 3, 1945 by the First Calvary. He and his brother both joined the Navy.
Marine veteran Ruth Osborn was grateful the USS Midway paid a special tribute to the Korean War Veterans.
“I wanted to come because I love the Korean veterans. I’ve been to Korea. I just love everything about it and I want to be with the veterans that are still here and celebrate with them,” Osborn said.
Osborn said forged her mother’s signature to join the Marines. “I love America. I fought and went in Korea because I was a kid and I had to do something for my country,” she said.
A commemorative wreath-laying ceremony took place to honor all those who lost their lives serving their country.
