(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)--New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Deputy Secretary Alan Martinez took part in June 25th ceremony in Albuquerque marking the 61st Anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

As one of the guest speakers at the Albuquerque Veterans’ Memorial, Deputy Secretary Martinez honored the Korean War veterans in the crowd, praising their service as well as the service of all who served in what has come to be known as “The Forgotten War.”

“Calling this the ‘Forgotten War’ is an extreme injustice to the brave men and women who sacrificed to serve our country when President Truman asked for their military service,” said Martinez. “These warriors served with honor and dignity as they joined the South Koreans in their fight to prevent the spread of Communism on the Korean Peninsula.”

 Historians often refer to the war as the Forgotten War because it is sandwiched between World War II, which ended just five years earlier, and the Vietnam War which began less than a decade after the end of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula.

The conflict began on June 25th, 1950, when communist North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded non-communist South Korea. Two days later, American President Harry Truman authorized the use of American land, sea and air forces to aid the South Koreans. The conflict ended on July 27, 1953, when an Armistice was signed by both Koreas to cease all hostilities.

 Of the 6.8 million U.S. servicemen who served during the Korean War era, 1.8 million served in-theater.  More than 33,000 soldiers were killed in action—including 215 New Mexicans. The VA estimates there are nearly 20,000 Korean War-era veterans living in New Mexico.

The annual ceremony is presented by the Korean War Veterans of New Mexico and the Korean American Community of New Mexico.

NMDVS Deputy Secretary Alan Martinez address the gathering at the ceremony in Albuquerque observing the 61st anniversary of the start of the Korean  War.

Members of the Korean-American Association of New Mexico joined members of the Korean War Veterans’ Association to present the annual ceremony at the Albuquerque Veterans’ Memorial.