Barbara Bedell: Veterans group welcomes Korean visitors

From RecordOnline.com: Barbara Bedell: Veterans group welcomes Korean visitors

In honor of Veterans Day, the Korean War Veterans in Middletown, led by Sam Tucker, president, welcomed delegates from the Korean Veterans Association, Republic of Korea, for a daylong visit.

The American veterans and the Korean veterans first visited West Point, led by former congressman Ben Gilman and Dr. Hubert Lee. Afterward, they had a luncheon program at American Legion Post 151 on Wawayanda Avenue in Middletown.

Tribute was paid to all who served in the Korean War, especially those killed in action and permanently disabled. A stirring prayer, composed by Tucker, was read to start the event in Middletown, followed by the singing of "God Bless America" and the Korean national anthem.

Gilman and Lee, both very active in the Korean Association, were among the speakers. Gilman is a former chairman of the House International Relations Committee and a former a Congressional delegate to the United Nations, serving under Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick in 1981. Earlier this year, he was honored with the World Peace Prize for 2011. The prize is awarded by a committee to individuals who have contributed to the cause of world peace by preventing regional conflicts or world war.

Lee is president of the Korean American Foundation USA. Also speaking was retired four-star Gen. Jae Kwan Lee, commanding general of the first ROK Army in South Korea.