Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
- Utah Honor Flight's 50th mission honors 49 veterans in Washington, D.C.
- Korean Consulate awards Ambassador for Peace Medals to three Korean War veterans.
- Veterans reflect on sacrifices, remembering fallen friends at Vietnam War Memorial.
WASHINGTON — Utah Honor Flight is finishing up its 50th mission, taking 49 veterans to our nation's capital to show appreciation for their service and remember the fallen.
It's often called the Forgotten War. But today, members of the Korean Consulate let these Utah soldiers know that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Sometimes, a sign of gratitude doesn't take much, but these representatives from the Korean Consulate are going a lot further. They are offering three Utah veterans who served during the Korean conflict the Ambassador for Peace Medal.
Ron Birrell said the Korean people are great people, and he is grateful they don't take the U.S. soldiers' sacrifice for granted.
"All the effort that we put into securing that country was right there. That's, you know, that's the fruit of the labor," Birrell said.
A short walk away at the Vietnam War Memorial was Dennis Blakey, taking time to remember some close friends, like Harry Kim.
"This is my best friend who was killed," Blakey said.
There are so many who were lost, including people like Benny Hart.
The value in a name, in a memory, is shown as people come here with a purpose.
Veterans who risked it all for the cause of freedom and a love for their country.
"I guess if I was asked to do it again, I probably would," Biirrell said.
The Utah Honor Flight is done about three to five times a year. It's made possible through donations and volunteers. Visit utahhonorflight.org to learn how you can get involved.
