The following was released by the White House:


NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY, 2001

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

The sounds of war thundered as a furious struggle took place
51 years ago in a country unknown to many Americans. The
battleground that was Korea in the years 1950 to 1953 tested the
resolve, courage, and commitment of an America barely 5 years
beyond the tremendous sacrifices of World War II. Undaunted,
America again marshaled her forces to defend a population facing
tyranny and aggression.

Freedom for the Republic of Korea was purchased with deep
sacrifice and with honor. In 38 months of intense fighting,
33,665 Americans gave their lives in battle. Our Nation's
highest military award, the Medal of Honor, was awarded to 131
members of the U.S. Armed Forces, more than 90 of them
posthumously. Yet the challenge of Korea was not just a
formidable adversary, but also a harsh and forbidding climate.
The 1.8 million service men and women who served there suffered
bitter winters that would claim casualties approaching those
inflicted by guns, shrapnel, and bayonets. When the Military
Armistice Agreement, effective 48 years ago, silenced the guns
on the Korean peninsula, it marked the end of the world's first
determined stand against Communist aggression. It signaled the
beginning of the Cold War, and foreshadowed the eventual
dismantling of global Communism.

Today, the liberties defended there half a century ago are
the inheritance of 47 million citizens of a democratic,
prosperous, and progressive Republic of Korea. The young
Americans who fought and died there kept faith with a just
cause, and in so doing, kept faith with the principles and
ideals on which our Nation was founded. They immeasurably
blessed the Republic of Korea and brought great honor to our
Nation as a defender of freedom. Because of these truths, we
recognize the Korean War for what it was and is -- not a
"forgotten war," but a remembered victory.

The Congress, by passing Public Law 104-19 (36 U.S.C. 127),
has designated July 27, 2001, as "National Korean War Veterans
Armistice Day" and has authorized and requested the President to
issue a proclamation in observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2001, as National
Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that
honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War veterans.
I also ask Federal departments and agencies and interested
groups, organizations, and individuals to fly the flag of the
United States at half-staff on July 27, 2001, in memory of the
Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand
one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH