The Korean War, often dubbed the “Forgotten War,” concluded with an Armistice on July 27, 1953, bringing an end to three years of intense conflict on the Korean Peninsula. The significance of this Armistice is profound, marking a cessation of hostilities and the beginning of peace.
The annual commemoration of this event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers, as well as the impact of the war on Korean and American societies. This year, the commemoration was held at the Orange County Korean War Memorial in Hillcrest Park, Fullerton City, on July 27th, drawing a large gathering of Hwarang Youth Foundation members, their parents, Korean War veterans, and their families. The event was organized by the Hwarang Youth Foundation and the Remember 727 project, founded by Hannah Y. Kim.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, invading South Korea. This conflict quickly escalated into a full-scale war, drawing in forces from the United Nations, predominantly the United States, to support South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union backed North Korea. The war resulted in a stalemate, with immense loss of life and devastation on both sides. The Armistice Agreement, signed on July 27, 1953, established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and effectively ended the fighting, though a formal peace treaty was never signed.
The Orange County Korean War Memorial is a solemn tribute to the 39,591 Americans who fought and died during the Korean War. The memorial features granite monuments inscribed with the names of these fallen heroes, serving as a powerful reminder of their bravery and sacrifice.
The commemoration opened with a captivating performance by The Sound of Hwarang, a group of talented youth members who played the traditional Korean drum. Their performance included a mix of traditional Korean music and contemporary songs, such as “Dynamite” by BTS, “Arirang” by BTS, and “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars.
Senator Dave Min delivered a moving speech, reflecting on the changes in Korean-American life since his arrival in the United States. He reminisced about how, as a child, he had to hide kimchi because of its unfamiliar and pungent smell. “Kimchi was once a smelly food I had to hide,” he recalled, “but now, I see my daughter going to KCON and proudly
showing off her culture. This change was only possible due to the freedom earned by those who fought in the Korean War.”
The event continued with recognizing Hwarang members for their contributions in art, video, and essay categories. These young individuals were honored for their creative works that helped preserve the history and legacy of the Korean War. Their projects, ranging from paintings to essays, served as a testament to the enduring relevance of the war’s history.
Irvine Council Member Tammy Kim highlighted the significance of the event for the community. “This event is significant because it gives us an opportunity to think about and remember all those who fought and died, hoping for a unified Korea. I hope we don’t have to keep celebrating this.”
Kim also stressed the importance of cultural preservation for future generations of Korean Americans. “Preserving the Korean culture is a byproduct of our identity. If we don’t retain a strong connection with our culture, it’s going to be hard to have pride in our identity. Without pride in our identity, we won’t have anyone advocating for us in corporate America, politics, healthcare, or social services.”.
Kevin Muldoon, the grandson of a Korean War veteran and a beneficiary of the Remember 727 organization’s scholarship program, exemplified this spirit of preserving Korean culture. Muldoon, who donated his scholarship back to support other students in need, spoke about the importance of maintaining a strong connection to one’s heritage. “If we don’t retain and keep a strong connection with our culture, it’s gonna be really hard to have pride in our identity,” Muldoon stated. His words highlighted the necessity for Korean Americans to preserve their cultural identity and advocate for their community across various sectors.
Hannah Y. Kim, founder of the Remember 727 project, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of valuing the freedoms earned through sacrifice. “If we forget who we are as Korean Americans and neglect our heritage, we can’t achieve peace. Our grandfathers fought in this war, and our parents helped make Korea successful. We should never take our freedom for granted.”
member of the Hwarang Youth Foundation, I joined in singing “Arirang” with my fellow students. The song, often considered an unofficial national anthem, evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and unity, making it a fitting tribute to the veterans.
As we sang, I noticed Ellice Royce Williams, a retired US naval aviator known for his dogfight with seven Soviet pilots during the Korean War—a feat often called “one of the greatest feats in aviation history” and the inspiration for the character Maverick. As the melody of “Arirang” filled the air, I saw his eyes light up and a smile spread across his face. This moment filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. Seeing a hero of such stature, who had faced unimaginable dangers, find joy and connection through our tribute made all our efforts feel incredibly worthwhile.
At exactly 7:27 PM, symbolizing both the time and date—July 27, 1953—when the Korean Armistice Treaty was signed, attendees lit candles and observed a moment of silence to honor the fallen soldiers. Participants then paid their respects at the monuments, placing carnations with the names of the fallen soldiers.
Despite the signing of the Armistice Agreement, the Korean War has not officially ended. The conflict, which started on June 25, 1950, is one of the longest-running conflicts in modern history, still dividing the Korean Peninsula in half. The annual commemoration event serves as a crucial reminder that the war must not be forgotten. The sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom are the reason many Korean Americans are here today. They served to protect Korea and uphold the American spirit of freedom and democracy.
Hannah Y. Kim’s Remember 727 project continues to tell the stories of Korean War veterans and bring awareness to the sacrifices made. Her story, along with the stories she has collected from thousands of Korean War veterans across the globe, is available at remember727.org. Through her dedication and the support of countless others, the legacy of the Korean War and the heroism of its veterans are kept alive.
<Student Reporter Lauren Lee>laurenlee0808@gmail.com
Lauren Lee is a Senior student in The Science Academy STEM Magnet
