Mr. Bill Gambrell, Esq.Remarks on June 24, 2022, on the occasion of the Korean War Memorial Monument Wreath Ceremony at the VA Medical Center by Charles William Gambrell, Jr.
I was honored when Yong Hong asked me to speak today on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War. Yong gave me two clear instructions: First – I want to hear the perspective of an everyday South Carolinian on the Korean War and this beautiful Memorial. Second – BE BRIEF! I will attempt to accomplish both of those goals. The Korean War occupies a somewhat unique status among the Wars of the last half of the 20th Century – wedged between World War II and the Vietnam War. I am the son of parents who both served in the Marine Corps during World War II. I have some small understanding of the sacrifices that War brings to those who serve as I have heard stories from my mother and father of their experiences in the war and this country’s commitment to the war effort. My father was a Marine, who carried a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) throughout his tours in the Solomon Islands, most prominently at Guadalcanal. My mother served in Washington DC and it was there in DC where they met, fell in love and were married. World War II galvanized our country and the veterans returned to parades, praise and accolades. My father, who became a prominent lawyer and later a judge, held as his highest personal accomplishment his service as a Marine during World War II and he honored the Corp until he died. I was a young man during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War seemed to tear at the fabric of our country. Sadly, the valiant men and women who served in Vietnam returned to protests, which in my opinion remains a stain on this country’s record. But the Korean War was different. Between the fatigue following World War II and the furor surrounding the Vietnam War was the Korean War. The Korean veterans simply returned, not to parades or to protests – they simply returned. We have all heard the quote from one returning Korean War veteran who said - “We just came home and took off our uniforms and went to work. That was about it.” As we all know too well the Korean War has been referred to as the “Forgotten War.” But the wonderful people who organized this event, and the families of Korean War veterans, and the citizens of Korea who survived the War years, and all their descendants haven’t forgotten. South Carolinians take pride in our history and heritage. Today, we honor our history & heritage by gathering together to make sure those who fought & suffered in the Korean War are never forgotten. We honor those who served in the War and we honor the Korean civilians who suffered and perished during the War. As many of you know, there is a Korean War Monument downtown at the South Carolina Memorial Garden on Hampton Street. The Korean War Monument is at the corner of Hampton & Wayne Streets and it is a wonderful Monument; however, our Monument here at the VA is made distinctive and so very personal by the presence of this beautiful stone, brought from the Nakdong River in South Korea to Columbia through the generosity of Mr. LIM. Thank you, Mr. LIM, on behalf of all of the citizens of South Carolina. In closing, I want to thank all who organized this ceremony & remembrance. As long as Monuments such as this stand and are nurtured, we will never forget the veterans of the Korean War. Thank you.
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