Korean War Memorial Park dedicated

The Nevada Korean War Memorial was officially dedicated on Saturday in a ceremony to honor the sacrifices of American veterans, and to celebrate this country's alliance with South Korea.

More than 200 people attended the ceremony at Korean War Veterans Memorial Park on the east side of Carson City.

"The next generation will only have a faint recollection of who we were," said Angelo De Felice, president of Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 305. "But with this monument, we won't die, we will just proudly fade into history."

He recounted how the last four major battles in the war was known as the Nevada cities campaign " named after Carson, Vegas, Reno and Elko " and how those names were now inscribed on the four rocks that surround the main monuments of the memorial. The brick pedestal at the center lists the names of the 34 Nevadans who were killed during the Korean War.

The newest addition is an unpolished marble replica of a traditional Korean house of that period. It pays tribute to U.S. Armed Forces, and shows how the 38th Parallel that divides the Korean Peninsula also runs through Nevada.

Gov. Jim Gibbons was scheduled to speak but could not attend. His aide, Jan Brace, spoke on his behalf and presented a plaque to honor the Korean War veterans.

Jaesoo Kim, Korean Consul General from Los Angeles, also was in attendance.

"I am really honored to be here today and to see this monument completed," Kim said. "Know that your effort and your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed."

Mayor Bob Crowell read a proclamation from Carson City honoring the veterans.

All of the Korean War veterans also were presented with medals for their service. A U.S. Marine Corps rifle team fired three volleys into the bright spring sky as taps was played to remember those who died.

The crowd was then entertained by performers from the U Kyung Choi Korean Dance Academy.

The monument was made possible through a grant provided by the South Korean government and contributions from members of the Korean American Association.