gray01 Jan-Feb 2011_Gray01_Jan-Feb 2005.qxd - Korean War ...

312 – ANTIETAM [MD]
On June 26th, 2010, we sponsored a remembrance event commemorating
the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. The
event was held in the Kepler Theater on the campus of Hagerstown
Community College. It was an extensive program that included displays and
exhibits prior to the main program, as well as period and patriotic music performed
by the local Rohrersville Band.
Among the displays, there was a collection of photo posters depicting
Korea in the 1950s provided by the KWVA of Washing ton. Prior to the main
program, we were presented with several proclamations from various governmental
offices, including a certificate and letter from U. S. Senator
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and proclamations from the Maryland Senate
sponsored by State Senator Don Munson and Hagerstown Mayor Bob
Bruchey. Later in the main program, a proclamation was also received from
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
The display at Ch 312’s presentation
that summarized the
Korean War
President Tae Ha Lee of
Korean War Veterans
Association of Washington
and colleague at Ch 312’s
commemoration
Edward J. Chow, Jr., BGen Kook Kwan Kim, Maj Kyungchan Roh (L-R) in
Hagerstown, MD
Les Bishop, Julianne Albowicz (representing Sen. Mikulski), Mayor Bob
Bruchey, Sondra Funk (representing Sen. Munson), Ch, 312 Commander
Wayne Winebrenner at Hagerstown, MD event
The main program included an overview of the Korean War, which was
read by Commander Wayne Winebrenner, a video message from
President Lee Myung Bak, two featured speakers, a taekwondo demonstration,
and a memorial service honoring those who were killed in
action from Washington County, Maryland.
The program, which required months of planning, was aided significantly
by the Defense Attaché staff of the Republic of Korea Embassy in
Washington DC.
The opening part of the program included the presentation of the colors
by our Color Guard and the singing of the United States and Korean
national anthems. We were honored that Maj. Kyungchan Roh, Assistant
BGen Kim addresses attendees
at Ch 312’s 60th
Anniversary
Commemoration
Defense Attaché, sang the Korean national anthem.
Our two featured speakers were Mr. Edward J. Chow, Jr., the Maryland
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and BG Kook Kwan Kim, Defense Attaché
from the Korean Embassy. Both speakers paid tribute to the Korean War
veterans and thanked them for their service.
The program closed with a moving tribute to the 31 men from
Washington County who lost their lives during the Korean War. As each
name was called, a bell was rung in their memory. An Honor Guard from
the local AMVETS presented a wreath; the program closed with the
somber echo Taps.
There were well over 200 people in attendance, and the program was
well covered by the local press and television. Our chapter is only in its
third year of operation, and is very proud to have been able to sponsor
such an extensive program.
Les Bishop, P.O. Box 868, Funkstown, MD 21734
45
The Graybeards
January – February 2011