Submitted by Gary Knepp, local historian.
June 25 marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. On that morning, 135,000 North Koreans swept across the 38th parallel, invading South Korea. The sneak attack sent the much smaller South Korean Army reeling. In response to the first major provocation of the Cold War, the United States assembled a twenty-one nation coalition serving under the auspices of the United Nations. Of the 1.7 million Americans who served in Korean during the war, 33,686 (including nineteen from Clermont County), were killed in action, 103, 000 were wounded and another 7,900 are still missing in action.
A brief memorial service will held on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at The Spirit of 76 Park located within the Miami Meadows Park complex in Miami Township. Visitors will be able to tour The Legacy Arboretum, the park’s newest feature.
Bill Knepp, Korean War combat veteran and park co-founder, will be the event’s host. “I would like to invite all area Korean War veterans to attend the event, experience the park, meet with the public and share in camaraderie with your brothers.”
Anyone who has questions about the event may contact Bill Knepp at 831-2932. Â