SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- For the next three years, the Department of Defense, including U.S. Transportation Command, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of America's participation in the Korean War.

Over 1.7 million soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen led America's commitment to its South Korean ally and to freedom for all men and women during the Korean war. More than 33,000 of our great servicemembers gave their lives in the fighting and more than 100,000 were wounded. We also cannot forget the 4,245 missing in action who were never recovered.

The tremendous fighting spirit our Korean war veterans demonstrated should serve as a model for us all. Because of the valiant endeavor of our veterans, freedom returned to the citizens of South Korea.

I encourage each of you, uniformed members and DOD civilians alike, to participate in commemoration events, visit with Korean War veterans, and familiarize yourselves with the history of the conflict. We as servicemembers and, more importantly, as Americans, owe a great debt of gratitude for the courageous struggle of our veterans.