“Remember …”

Korean War Memorial Monument Dedicated

* Photo gallery from Sunday’s ceremony
* Herald-Mail coverage (article and video)
* WHAG coverage
* Team RWB Western Maryland Facebook group
* Team RWB Western Maryland web page
* Korean War Veterans Association Antietam Chapter 312 website
* KWVA Facebook page

HAGERSTOWN, Md., June 23, 2013 — Members of the Korean War Veterans Association Antietam Chapter 312 organized a successful monument dedication in Hagerstown on Sunday on Hagerstown city property along Potomac Avenue and Mealey Parkway.

An estimated 250 onlookers endured high-80s temperatures and enjoyed the Rohrersville Band — playing since 1837, the longest continuing playing band in Maryland — and honored the memories of the 32 Washington County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Korean Conflict, which often is referred to as “The Forgotten War.”

In fact, that was a concept regularly mentioned on Saturday, as multiple guest speakers noted that those who served in the war (1950 - 1953) were anything but forgotten.

John O’Brien, a Department of Defense staff officer and a member of the DOD’s 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, said that he’s hopeful that younger generations will see the permanent memorial to those who lost their lives in the Korean War in defense of freedom and be willing to volunteer to defend their country.

Team RWB Western Maryland had a quiet but respectful presence at the 90-minute event. The new chapter of the national nonprofit organization, which aims to promote physical, mental and social well-being for returning veterans through physical and social activity, will cover western Maryland from Frederick to Garrett counties.

Team RWB Western Maryland has formed a partnership with the nonprofit Potomac Highlands Distance Club, which regularly operates in the Western Maryland area, to conduct veteran-friendly events in the region.