A few of the local Korean War veterans met Monday, July 20 at Jack’s on West Dallas Avenue. It was mainly a social gathering to keep in touch. However, Monday, July 27, marks the 62nd anniversary of the armistice ceasing hostilities in Korea. On that date in 1953, parties representing the United Nations Command for South  Korea and parties representing the North Korean People’s Army and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army for North Korea signed the agreement again separating the North from the South in approximately the same position along the 38th parallel as before the war.

So, the obvious question is what did we gain by all the precious blood and treasure expended in the conflict? It was at best a stalemate.

Bear Bryant once said in reference to tying a football game, “Hell no, a tie is like kissing your sister.” That may have not been the best analogy ever spoken, but it worked for the Bear.

If you should ask one of the veterans who fought there, they would probably say because it was the United States’ decision to defend South Korea and they were fulfilling their duty as Americans. Not only is that answer commendable, but it is exemplary as citizens. It is not that any of them wanted to be there, but duty and honor dictated they be.

The Korean War came on the heels of World War II and was the first big test of communism vs. democracy during the Cold War. Therefore, it was important from that perspective. The free world leaders felt if Korea went unchecked, it could start a domino effect especially in those countries divided at the end of World War II. They were unwilling to allow that to happen.

Back to the meeting earlier this week, I have observed this group for several years dwindle from about 22 veterans in attendance to the five faithful there Monday. Of course, they are all mid 80s now and not as spry as they once were. The exposure to loud guns have filled their ears with hearing aids, and the harshness of the war experience still haunts them. However, they are still a feisty bunch and exhibit a lot of gravel in their craws. If you had to choose someone to share a fox hole with, you couldn’t find a better choice than these men.

The men who fought in Korea can take pride in stopping communist aggression in its tracks. They can also point to preserving self governance for South Korea.

A fact South Korea has exploited and thrived while North Korea is under a dictatorship and languishing in a failed political ideology.

Those in attendance Monday were:

• Walter C. Myers,  USA, “C” Battery,  52nd Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, 1949-1952
• Joseph S. Knight, USMC, 1st Marine Division “D” Company 2nd Battalion, & 7th Marines Regimental S-4,1951-1954
• Charles V. Pollack, “C” Company, 89th Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, 1950-1952
• James S. “Whet” Wilkinson, “A” Company, 70th Tank Battalion, 5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division,1950-1952
• E.D. “Don” Carter, USAF, 6167 Operations Squadron, 6167th Air Base Group, 5th A.F., 1950-1953