By Michael Clements, Portage Co. Veteran Services Officer

To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, the Wisconsin Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs are partnering to distribute a special book to those veterans who served in that conflict.

“Korea Reborn: A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for 60 Years of Growth” is available for free to Korean War Veterans or family members as a gift of gratitude from the Korean government. The hardbound, full-color, 175-page commemorative is provided to honor these great veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Korean War began in June 1950, when the pro-communist North Korean Army invaded South Korea. American troops entered the war as part of the United Nations forces defending South Korea.   Nearly 1.8 million Americans served in Korea from 1950 to 1953, and over 36,000 were killed.   More than 132,000 men and women from Wisconsin served in the war. Today, there are over 40,000 Korean War veterans living in Wisconsin.

The book was published in Salt Lake City and was paid for by the South Korean public and private sectors.

The free book is available to be picked up at the following locations:

•          County Veteran Service Offices

•          WI Veterans Museum on the Capitol Square in Madison

•          WI Department of Military Affairs, 2400 Wright Street, Madison

•          Also various veteran service organizations and the Wisconsin Korean War Veteran Association will have copies available.

Request the book online (http://dma.wi.gov/dma/dma/bookRequest.asp) or call 608-242-3239.   The book is available one per veteran or family.