ACR 7, as introduced, Wagner. Korean War Armistice Day.
This measure would proclaim July 27, 2013, as Korean War Armistice Day. It would urge Californians to remember the Korean War and those who fought against communism. It would also urge Governor Jerry Brown to proclaim July 27, 2013, as Korean War Armistice Day and instruct all state departments, agencies, interested groups, organizations, and individuals to fly the United States flag at half-mast on July 27, 2013, in memory of the veterans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
Fiscal committee: no.
P1 1WHEREAS, On June 25, 1950, Communist armed forces from
2North Korea violently disrupted the peace in the Land of the
3Morning Calm as they crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South
4Korea; and
5WHEREAS, The Communist forces advanced rapidly and
6ruthlessly and, at the outset, appeared close to an easy victory.
7President Harry S. Truman, recognizing the threat to South Koreans
P2 1and their democracy, responded swiftly and decisively. On June
227, 1950, President Truman committed the first United States
3forces to combat in South Korea; and
4WHEREAS, On some of the world’s harshest terrain, through
5the scorching heat of summer and numbing cold of winter, soldiers
6from California fought to push the Communist North Koreans
7back toward the 38th parallel; and
8WHEREAS, Through months of attack and counterattack, falling
9back and regaining ground, United States troops and our allies
10refused to succumb to the attacks of enemy Communist forces.
11Finally, negotiators signed an armistice agreement at Panmunjom
12on July 27, 1953. Communist North Korean forces withdrew across
13the 38th parallel, and the Republic of South Korea regained its
14status as a free, democratic nation; and
15WHEREAS, The veterans who fought in the Korean War will
16never forget their experiences fighting for freedom against
17communism and neither will their families. These veterans paved
18the way for the foundation of peace and freedom that so many
19enjoy today; and
20WHEREAS, In later years, while the Korean War would
21sometimes be called “The Forgotten War,” although more than
2234,000 American lives were lost in combat, 92,000 were wounded,
23and more than 8,000 were listed as missing in action or taken
24prisoner, the members of the California Legislature have not
25forgotten. We pay homage to the courage of our veterans who
26fought in Korea and to those who died there or whose fate is still
27unknown. We recall the grief of their families and the gratitude of
28the people of South Korea; and
29WHEREAS, It is fitting that all Californians should take time
30and gather to observe the anniversary of the Korean War Armistice
31Day and honor our veterans who so courageously protect freedom;
32now, therefore, be it
33Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
34thereof concurring, That the Legislature urges Californians to
35observe the anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Day and
36hereby proclaims July 27, 2013, as Korean War Armistice Day,
37calling upon all Californians to observe this with appropriate
38ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our
39distinguished Korean War veterans; and be it further
P3 1Resolved, That the Legislature urges Governor Jerry Brown to
2proclaim July 27, 2013, as Korean War Armistice Day and instruct
3all state departments, agencies, interest groups, organizations, and
4individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-mast on July
527, 2013, in memory of the Californians who died as a result of
6their service in Korea; and be it further
7Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
8of this resolution to the Department of Veterans Affairs and to the
9author for appropriate distribution.
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