CUMBERLAND — In recognition of this year’s 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, veterans of that war are being honored in Cumberland, North Yarmouth and Yarmouth.

Town Councilor Shirley Storey-King read a resolution at the council’s meeting Monday:

“The citizens of Cumberland extend the utmost gratitude, honor, support, and admiration for the veterans of the Korean War and veterans of all wars and military actions taken in the interests and defense of the United States of America and its allies, and to the causes of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.”

On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, veterans of Korea and other wars will assemble at the AmVets hall on North Road in Yarmouth at 9 a.m. They will travel by bus to the veterans memorial at Moss Side Cemetery, Main Street in Cumberland, at 9:45 a.m., where state Rep. Steve Moriarty, D-Cumberland, will give a speech.

After a 15-minute ceremony, the vets will get back on the buses and head to the Village Green in North Yarmouth. Another 15-minute ceremony will take place there at 10:25 a.m., where attorney Thad Day will speak.

The veterans will then head to Yarmouth Town Green, where a 30-minute ceremony will begin at 11:05 a.m. Cumberland resident Bill Green of WCSH-TV 6 will speak at that stop.

Each ceremony will include recognition of Korean War veterans from each town, presentation of a wreath, reading of names of deceased Korean War veterans, and the playing of taps.

Afterwards, the veterans will return to the AmVets hall in Yarmouth for a luncheon at noon.

Cumberland’s resolution notes that the Korean War claimed about 1.2 million military and civilian lives on both sides. More than 36,000 American soldiers and sailors were killed, and more than 8,100 are missing in action. More than 300,000 American military personnel were sent to the Korean Peninsula during the three-year conflict.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.


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