SYD KRONISH | Stamps Korean War issue will honor veterans

Korean War veterans have been called the "almost forgotten heroes" of the 20th century.
But many remember the people who served and sacrificed in this hard-fought war half a world away. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the armistice that ended hostilities there.
The US Postal Service also has not forgotten. It will issue a new 37-cent stamp on July 27 honoring the Korean War Memorial in Washington.
First-day ceremonies will be held at the memorial in the nations capital.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial was authorized by law in 1986. The memorial located on the National Mall, was dedicated by President Clinton and Kim Young Sam, President of South Korea on July 27, 1995, the 42nd anniversary of the armistice.
The memorial displays 19 stainless steel statues depicting American troops in the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force. They are shown marching in a wedge formation, as if on patrol.
The image
The new stamp features a photo portraying the statues at the memorial shrouded in heavy snow. Photographer John W. Alli of Catonsville, Md., took the photo just before dawn during a heavy snowstorm in Washington in 1996. Alli specializes in photographing military aircraft and other military subjects.
Visitors viewing the edifice will note that incorporated into the memorial is the "Pool of Remembrance" bearing the inscription "Our Nation Honors Her Sons And Daughters Who Answered The Call To Defend A Country They Never Knew And A People They Never Met."
The Korean War began June 25, 1950, when Communist troops from North Korea invaded South Korea.
When this invasion occurred, President Truman committed U.S. forces to lead a United Nations group of military personnel to resist the invaders.
When the armistice was signed in 1953, approximately 34,000 Americans had been killed in battle.
The new U.S. stamp is not the first to recognize the bravery of our Korean veterans.
In 1985, the USPS issued a 22-cent stamp labeled "Veterans Korea."
A 33-cent stamp honoring the Korean War veterans was issued as part of the 1950's "Celebrate The Century" pane, released in 1999.
First-day cancellations of the new Korean War Memorial stamp will be available from the Stamp Fulfillment Services by calling (800) STAMP-24.