SCHERERVILLE | They served their country in a "forgotten" war, then came home to live their lives and raise their families.
On Memorial Day, 40 Korean War veterans were honored with Korean Defense Commemorative medals at a special ceremony at Memory Lane Memorial Park in Schererville.
The medals were acquired by the adult Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Hammond. Area veterans were contacted with the help of U.S. Rep. Peter Visclosky's office, pastor Jack Schaap said.
While Hammond Baptist students performed "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and other selections honoring the occasion, Schaap awarded each medal individually and offered his congratulations. Each veteran received his quietly and humbly, though a few teared up later in the program when taps was played.
Lake County Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez also attended.
Ed Wolber, 80, an Army veteran and member of First Baptist, sang "God Bless America" in a strong baritone to close the ceremony. He also received a medal.
Nearly 1,000 people stood in attendance to honor the vets who represented almost every branch of service.
Every Memorial Day, the church and Hyles Anderson students and officials honor veterans of a particular conflict at Memorial Park. Last year, the group honored those who perished in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Korea, as Schaap noted, is often called "the forgotten war." It also took place in a country that most Americans knew little about, including the men who fought there.
"I hope the children here, when they go home to learn more about the Korean War, whether by studying it in school or reading about it, I hope they remember the men who are here today," Schaap said. "They fought in conditions that were often cold and uncomfortable, and (because of them) that land is still free today."
The cemetery dedicated a Veterans Park in November, and Monday's ceremony marked the beginning of a walkway of honor leading into the park. The walkway eventually will feature artifacts from various wars with plaques that tell the story behind them. The walkway's first artifact is a 75 mm howitzer used in the Korean War. It was dropped to battlefields in Korea via parachute, Schaap explained.
