Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, poses with Korean War veterans Saturday during a wreath laying ceremony at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, July 25, 2015. The ceremony was in honor of the 62nd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, which was signed July 27, 1953. (Photo by Sgt. William Smith)
By Sgt. William Smith
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
COLORADO SPRINGS — Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, honored Service members during a wreath- laying ceremony at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs July 25, 2015.
The wreath laying commemorated the 62nd anniversary of The Korean War Armistice Agreement. The agreement was signed July 27, 1953, signifying the end of what is commonly known as “Americas Forgotten War.”
In 1952 President Harry S. Truman spoke from the White House about the conflict.
“We have taught the enemy a lesson,” Truman said. “He has found out that aggression is not cheap or easy. Moreover, men all over the world who want to remain free have been given new courage and new hope. They know now that the champions of freedom can stand up and fight.”
Crosby said he was extremely humbled and honored to be able to address the veterans who have set the conditions which make our Army so strong today.
“As we commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the cease fire of the Korean
War, we pause to acknowledge and recognize you … those champions President Truman referred to, who undoubtedly halted that aggression against freedom over half a century ago.”
Crosby said he would like people to know that the service the military men and women gave during the conflict contributed in establishing the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, which has marked one of the forward lines of freedom in East Asia for the last 62 years.
“You deployed to a distant land in the name of a noble cause,” Crosby said during his speech. “You put your lives on the line not only for this country, but also the South Korean people. Your actions made the world a safer place and continue to shape and facilitate democracy in Asia and across the globe today.”
Retired Staff Sgt. Victor Santiago said he was humbled and honored to lay the wreath in memory of his fallen brothers.
“I want people to know what we sacrificed was not in vain. I want everyone to remember those sacrifices that we not only made but those of the Korean people — we are free because of it. Freedom belongs to everybody.”