Korean War Veterans receive Ambassador for Peace Medals

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort invited Korean War Veterans to attend a commemoration ceremony in their honor on Friday.

A large crowd gathered inside the Wellman Armory to show its support for those who served during the war.

Veterans were presented the Ambassador for Peace Medals and received a certificate.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ben Adams said there are around 15,000 Korean War Veterans in Kentucky.  Around 70 Veterans came to the commemoration with another 22 represented by family.

“It’s always wonderful to be able to thank the veterans for what they do or what they have done in the past, especially the war veterans,” said Adams.

He said because the Korean war was so short, it tends to be overlooked because of World War II and Vietnam.

Adams said people need to bring attention to all veterans who have served, like Korean War Veteran Bill King.

“I was in the Seabees for 3 years and I was on the USS Hammel and we went through Korea where we did take some of the Chosin bodies out of Korea,” King said.

He said he is in awe of all the people who showed up to support him and his fellow Veterans.

“It’s just unreal, after 70 years they finally recognized us,” King said.