Barbara Bedell: Korean War Veterans give special awards

RecordOnline.com: Barbara Bedell: Korean War Veterans give special awards
As president and co-founder of the Korean American Foundation USA and first vice president of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 202, Dr. Hubert Hojae Lee of Chester hosted a special gathering.

It was conducted at American Legion Post 151, where the Korean War veterans chapter meets regularly. A group of special guests including Sullivan County Court surrogate and Judge Frank LaBuda, former congressman Ben Gilman, state Sen. Bill Larkin, Orange County Executive Eddie Diana and retired Times Herald-Record reporter Chris Farlekas each received a certificate of appreciation and a Medal of Freedom.

The awards were presented by South Korean Gen. Choi Seung Woo, who traveled from his homeland to honor the dignitaries as well as more than 100 Korean War veterans who attended the event.

"Thank you for saving my country," Woo said to those who participated in the "forgotten war" that began June 25, 1950. "Korea will never forget. Neither will I."

At the end of the ceremony, Lee read a poem he had written in English that encompassed his appreciation to the veterans and community leaders as well. It ended: "Your heroic sacrifice for freedom and security made South Korea rise like a phoenix from the ashes of the bloody battlefield. Thanks for your noble sacrifice."

The evening included a traditional Korean meal that was catered, and a program of Korean traditional music offered by saxophonist Rex Choe, tenor Soh Byung Sun, soprano Park Young Soo, and others.

Proceeds are used to help Korean orphans and handicapped children and veterans helping veterans.

For information, contact Lee at 649-3173 or by email at drhl@frontier.com.