Sixth annual Korean War Veterans' dinner
hosted by Korean Baptist Church of Laredo

By Rosemary Contreras

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Lucy Meriwether Chapter of Laredo attended the 6th Annual Korean War Veterans' Dinner hosted by the Korean Baptist Church of Laredo on June 25. This day marks the 53 th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War.
The Rev. Gi Yungi Cho gave the invocation and thanked the Korean War veterans for fighting to free Korea from Communism and oppression. South Korea is free today because of the men and women form the United States who answered the call of duty. Over 54,000 lost their lives and over 8,000 are still missing in action.
Mr. José Luis Muñoz, the first Laredoan to arrive in Korea with "Task Force Smith," was the Master of Ceremonies. He introduced the ladies from the Lucy Meriwether Chapter and thanked them for everything that had been done over the last two years to thank and recognize the veterans from the "Forgotten War." Each man present introduced himself and gave a short story of what he did while in Korea.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, a three-year period starting from June 25, 2000 to November 11, 2003, the Lucy Meriwether Chapter presented each Korean War veteran a 50th anniversary medal on a red, white, and blue ribbon. These medals were gifts of the Republic of Korea Army. With each medal was a letter of appreciation signed by Major General (Ret.), R.O.K. Army.
The Webb County Commissioners' Court also honored the veterans in a ceremony July 14.
After the ceremony, all enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by the local Korean community. Each Korean War veteran also received a gift from the Korean Baptist Church.
A traveling exhibit honoring the Korean War veterans is on display at South Texas National Bank on Guadalupe St. This exhibits concludes a three-venue tour of all the libraries other locations in Laredo.