The city of Aurora’s annual tradition of honoring military heroes continued in 2013 with special focus on the veterans of the Korean War. The Aurora Veterans Salute was held on November 6 at the Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. The 19th annual event featured a luncheon with a formal program honoring those who served in all conflicts and in all branches of service and a special tribute recognizing veterans of the Korean War. The luncheon is preceded with a sponsor social and time to tour the museum.
One local Korean War veteran and Prisoner of War, Joe Annello, sees the event as a special opportunity to look back and recognize the Korean War veterans who are often described as “the forgotten”. According to Annello, the country was essentially “exhausted” following WWII and weren’t interested in tuning-in to another war. “The people who truly paid attention to what was happening in Korea were the friends and family members of those who were serving, or those who closely followed foreign politics,” said Annello. He stated that much of the country didn’t follow the war and that he and his fellow service members and POWs did not receive a large, grand homecoming celebration like those who had served in WWII.
It is the goal of the Veterans Salute planning committee to offer an event where the forgotten veterans of the Korean War are honored appropriately. The event’s organizers have one goal in mind each year; to say “thank you,” in a meaningful way.
Sixty years ago, over a three year period, Korean War veterans serving with forces from sixteen other countries under the United Nations banner to halt the spread of Communism and to restore freedom for the people of the Republic of Korea. Over 36,000 American men and women died and more than 90,000 were wounded. In Colorado 327 service members made the ultimate sacrifice in the Korean War.
“We are proud and compelled to give thanks for the sacrifice of our veteran heroes; and the museum setting on the former Lowry Air Force Base offers us a perfect backdrop to express our appreciation,” said Sheila Anthony, Aurora Veterans Salute event organizer.
The event Master of Ceremonies was KEZW 1430 AM, Radio Station Manager & Morning Show Host, Rick Crandall. civic and military leaders are expected to be on hand to honor the veterans.
Admission for the Veterans Salute event covered museum admission, a Sponsor Social and the Luncheon. Guests toured the museum from 9-11:30 a.m. Over 35 sponsors and veterans organization were providing valuable information and other goodies. The catered luncheon and formal program began at 11:30 a.m. Veteran Salute military partners include the 460th Space Wing, Buckley Air Force Base, the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, the Air Reserve Personnel Center and the Aerospace Data Facility- Colorado and the US Army Reserves.