HONORING OUR VETERANS: Today, July 27, both America and South Korea celebrate National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day — to commemorate the peace treaty which triggered a cease-fire in the long-standing Korean War.

Approximately 50,000 American troops died, over 100,000 were wounded and thousands more were held as prisoners of war during the three-year conflict, between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953.

In 1945, at the end of World War II, Korea celebrated the end of a 35-year Japanese colonial rule. However, five short years later, fighting erupted along the borders of North and South Korea. The war began after high tensions on the Korean peninsula led to the Northern Korean People’s Army to invade South Korea. Thousands of American soldiers were held as prisoners of war.

Today we should all stop and take at least a few moments of reflection for the courageous American men and women’s service and sacrifices during the Korean War conflict. According to NationalToday.com, approximately two million Korean War veterans were still alive as of 2019.

A great way to honor those Korean War veterans still alive today, and also those who have died, is to brush up on your history. Take some time to read a reputable account of the Korean War, or watch a few documentaries. Learning our collective history gives individuals a greater sense of what it really means to be an American.

US ARMY FUN FACTS: Did you know that dogs are an essential part of the army? Presently, approximately 16,000 dogs are serving our country. Another fun fact you may not have realized, the army is older than the United States. George Washington created the Continental Army in 1775, however the United States of America did not become official until Sept. 9, 1776.