Press release

Korean War veterans, families invited to join Augusta ceremony

Tue, 06/11/2024 - 11:30am

    The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services have partnered to identify and invite Korean War Veterans (Boots on the ground 1950-1953, and in country service up to one year following the July 1953 armistice), and their families to attend a Korean War Veterans Ceremony at the State House – Hall of Flags in Augusta on Friday, July 26 at 1 p.m. 
     
    “From 1950 to 1953, many young men and women from the State of Maine left the comfort of home to serve on the rugged terrain of the Korean Peninsula. Their courage helped to secure the freedom and liberties and safeguard the rights of millions,” stated The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston Kim Jae-hui, Consul General, “To our Korean War veterans, we owe a debt that can never be fully repaid. We thank you for your heartfelt gratitude and for the ways in which you enrich our nation. We promise to carry your legacy of bravery and sacrifice with pride and honor. For commemorating you, we host a special ceremony with the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. The ceremony will serve not only as a reflection of our past but as a commitment to our future.”  

    Pre-registration is required for veterans and their families (even if the veteran has passed) to receive the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal from Kim Jae-hui, Consul General and State of Maine Veterans’ Recognition (certificate and Korean War challenge coin) from David A. Richmond, Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. 
     
    “Maine has a long-standing history of military service, and our Korean War Veterans are so deserving of this recognition,” noted David Richmond, Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, “We hope veterans and their families will join us for this very special event.”  

    Please pre-register at your earliest convenience for this event on the Bureau’s website, www.maine.gov/veterans or by emailing the Bureau at mainebvs@maine.gov or calling 207-287-7020. If it is too far for the veteran to travel to Augusta, arrangements will be made to deliver the ceremonial medal and recognition to him or her. 

    About Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services 

    The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services was established in 1947 by the State of Maine and is part of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management. Our mission is to help Mainers who served, and their loved ones, understand and navigate the benefits, services, and programs available to them. The Bureau does this by being a responsive, experienced, and dedicated advocate. The Bureau is headquartered at Camp Keyes and has seven field service offices located throughout the state and a claims office located at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Togus, Maine. The Bureau also operates the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery System which includes four veterans’ cemeteries. For more information about the Bureau or to request assistance, please visit our website at www.maine.gov/veterans