gray06 Nov-Dec 2009_Gray01_Jan-Feb 2005.qxd.qxd - Korean War ...

On 11 September 2009, Chapter 300, the
Korean War Veterans of
Massachusetts, hosted a wreath laying ceremony
at the Korean War Memorial Ship
Yard Park, Charlestown, MA. The Republic of
Korea’s Ambassador to the United States,
Duk-soo Han, and the United States
Ambassador to the Republic of Korea,
Kathleen Stephens, each addressed those in
attendance.
The speakers thanked the Korean War veterans
for their service in Korea and for making
their country what it is today.
Ambassador Han acknowledged that Korea
could never thank our veterans enough, and
commemorated the 1,506 men from
Massachusetts who were killed during the
war. He also remembered all those who perished
in the terrorist attacks on September
11, 2001.
Chairman of the Memorial Committee
Louis Paillasse, assisted by Jack Dowd,
acted as master of ceremonies. Chapter
member Bill Furey sang the American
national anthem, and played the Republic of
Korea’s national anthem. Member Tom
Kettle delivered the Pledge of Allegiance,
followed by the invocation by member Wally
DeCourcey. Chapter President Leo Agnew
presented the opening welcome.
Members Fred Carnes and Andy Pullo
assisted with the Ambassador’s wreath laying,
while member John Woelfel played Taps
as other members fired a rifle volley.
There was a special presentation to the
Ambassador. Members Joe McCallion and
Ed Piana presented him with a replica of the
memorial statue, which was designed by
member Tom Gorsuch and included on a
plaque.
In attendance were many members from
KWVA chapters 34, 294 and 300 and other
veterans organizations, including Past
Commander of the USS Constitution Bob
Gilled, USN (Ret) and Tom Daley, Past
Commander, DAV.
Credit for the nearby pictures goes to
chapter members AI Kamishlian and Ron
Taylor. Past President Nick Paganella videotaped
the event.
Leo Agnew, State House, 5th Floor, Room
546-4, Boston, MA 02133,
(617) 723-1716
Wreath laying ceremony in Massachusetts
Ambassador Duk Soo Han addresses attendees at Charlestown, MA
Ambassador Kathleen Stephens speaks at Charlestown wreath laying event
Ed Piana of Ch 300 makes pres
Joe McCallion of Ch 300 prese
November – December 2009
The Graybeards