Press Releases

On Thursday, Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) led a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives and veterans to landscape and preserve the Korean War Veterans Memorial as a show of respect and gratitude for fallen Korean War soldiers and American veterans.  

The gathering was a symbol of gratitude as well as a unifying exercise on the last day of session before Thanksgiving and the November district work period, which begins Friday.

More than 54,000 American soldiers lost their lives during the Korean War. The memorial features 19 stainless steel statues, including members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as a mural wall, a United Nations wall and a Pool of Remembrance, which has inscriptions listing the number of soldiers killed, wounded, missing in action and held as prisoners during the Korean War.

“As we head back to our districts to spend time with our constituents and reflect on our blessings during Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pay tribute to our veterans,” Rep. Waltz said. “The Korean War Veterans Memorial remembers nearly 5.8 million Americans who served in the Korean War. At such a divisive time in Washington, it’s important to set aside partisanship and reflect on their sacrifices for freedom.”

Attendees included:

• Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.)
• Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.)
• Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Penn.)
• Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.)
• Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-Va.)
• Rep. Van Taylor (R-Texas)
• Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.)

“I very much appreciate the opportunity to participate in this bipartisan effort to honor America’s veterans of the Korean War,” said Rep. Abraham. “In today’s political climate, it is important to remember the many Americans who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we exercise each day.”

“It’s always great to be able to come together, not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans to show our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans, especially as Thanksgiving approaches,” said Rep. Bost. “Our Korean War veterans risked all in order to defend freedom around the world and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid.”

“We are in debt to the brave men and women who served our country in the Korean War and I am grateful for the opportunity to join my colleagues in this act of servant leadership,” said Rep. Riggleman. “As an Air Force Veteran, I honor the service of those who served in Korea.  Let us never forget their sacrifice.”

“While we can never repay those who have selflessly served their country, especially those who paid the ultimate price, we can show our gratitude in our everyday actions,” said Rep. Van Taylor. “I’m proud to join my fellow veterans in Congress to help maintain our cherished memorials and remember the bravery of so many heroes.”