Korean War vets honored in Naperville
From the classic cars in the parking lot to the big band performing on stage, Naperville North High School had a decidedly 1950s feel to it Sunday. And for good reason.
Hundreds of veterans of the Korean War/Cold War era from 1950 to 1955 were honored in a ceremony for what many people at the event called “America's forgotten victory, the three-year war that ended in a 1953 cease fire between North and South Korea.
“You risked your life for the country you never knew and for the people you never met, Jihung Jung of the Korean Consulate General in Chicago told the veterans. “We are deeply touched by the love and affection (veterans) still have for Korea. They should be proud of what they have done for my country.
From 1950 to 1953, just two years after a split of Korea between north and south, American soldiers fought alongside South Korea in a war against North Korea's Chinese- and Soviet-backed Communist forces.
As the veterans looked on during the ceremony that took place in the school's auditorium, officials lauded them for their bravery and honored them for their sacrifice. Each of them was given a commemorative pin and nonveterans gave them several standing ovations during the 90-minute ceremony.
North students performed a 1950s-era dance, complete with swing dances and students reading from letters sent from home during that time.
Naperville resident John Baber, 78, said he enjoyed the celebration.
“It's really impressive and very appreciated, said Baber, who was drafted into the military and sent to Augsburg, Germany, as part of a post-World War II occupation force during the time of the Korean War.
He said the war's status in the memories of his fellow veterans means the war has not been a forgotten one and he is not sure where the title comes from.
“I have been thinking about that and have not come up with an answer, he said. “It was a war that existed. I was drafted into it and I served my time there.
As did many of the veterans at the ceremony. After a video thanking the veterans from South Korea, Jung said even 60 years later, the appreciation remains.
“We truly thank you for what you have done for us 60 years ago, Jung said. “Your valor and bravery will be remembered far beyond this generation.