Posted: 11/12/03

Saluting Korean vets in Forest Lake

Tuesday was a night to salute veterans, Korena veterans in particular, as Forest Lake marked Veterans' Day. The community event was co-sponsored by VFW Post 4210 and American Legion Post 225 and more than 400 veterans and guests were at the Legion Post for the observance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Korean War and the Tuesday night program gave special attention to Korean War vets. Guest speaker for the event was broadcast journalist Bob Ryan, a World War II Marine who later worked in Korea and Vietnam covering both stories. Ryan gave special praise to the Korean War vets as "those who gave so much." While the war is often called the "forgotten war," Ryan said the public and history books should never forget the effort U.S. troops gave in helping stop the spread of communism in Asia at a most critical time in history. "What they did for freedom will never be forgotten," Ryan said. Ryan, far left, was joined by other dignitaries for the national anthem. To Ryan's right are: Ray Elias, a former Stacy resident and a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II; Ray Daninger, Forest Lake mayor and a Marine in the post-World War II era; Legion Post 225 Chaplain Rich Webber; and Norma Tramm, American Legion Auxiliary Department President. (Photo By Cliff Buchan)

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