GAINESVILLE - It's been more than 60 years since the start of the Korean War. But as those brave veterans who made it home begin to pass away, the Department of Defense is doing all it can to make sure their acts of heroism live on forever.

 

The Department of Defense sent a representative to the American Legion Post #16 on Wednesday night to honor veterans of the Korean War, often called the 'Forgotten War.' One by one, former members of the United States military received a special letter signed by the Secretary of Defense for their hard work and sacrifices made during that war.

 

"We consider this an opportunity to thank them as a county for what they did for us 60 years ago," says Army Colonel David Clark, Director of the Department of Defense's 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee. "I think any service, particularly for us as we recognize Korean War veterans, anybody that served in the Korean War is a hero in our minds," says Col. Clark.

 

Cross Creek resident Duane Dewey, a Medal of Honor recipient, was also supposed to be recognized Wednesday night. Unfortunately, he was not able to make it, but he will make an appearance as the grand marshal for this year's University of Florida Homecoming parade on Friday.