PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Sandwiched between World War 2 and the Vietnam War, the Korean War has earned the nickname the "forgotten war" because it is often overlooked.
But 36,516 United States soldiers died fending off communist North Korea from its invasion of capitalist South Korea.
In monsoon season in 1950, North Korea had stormed the 38th parallel and set off a three-year conflict. In July of 1953, 65 years ago, an armistice agreement was signed ending the conflict. There was no peace treaty.
On Saturday, local veterans held a 30-minute ceremony to honor all who served in the war including the 20 from Pittsfield who died while fighting it.
VFW Post 448 Commander Arnold Perras served as the master of ceremonies and detailed the history of the war. He said 36,516 were killed in action, 1,243 died post-war, and 7,700 went missing in action - 5,300 of which are believed to be in North Korea.
Mayor Linda Tyer served as the keynote speaker and reflected on her trip to Washington D.C. where she visited the Korean War monument.
"I was struck silent, absolutely in awe and overcome by the experience, being able to walk alongside a squadron of 19 stainless steel figures representing each branch of the United States forces," Tyer said.
"I could feel the weight of their burden, hear their rain gear flapping and the sound of their determined footsteps, looking into their eyes and faces, it was there in that space where I could feel just an inkling of their courage - because their courage is beyond my own measure - and the danger of every single one of their footsteps."
The mayor praised the work of the United States military and mourned the loss of the 20 individuals from Pittsfield who died.
"We stand with them today, remembering them and their families. And we stand tall to carry in our hearts the mightiest military force in the world, that protects us night and day in places all over the globe," Tyer said.
Tony Pastore led the ceremony off with the singing of the national anthem. Lee Kie laid a wreath at the city's Korean War memorial and he then tolled a bell after Perras read the names of each of the local soldier who died.
The Vietnam Veterans Rifle Square did a salute; Joseph DiFilippo played Taps, and Steven Williams provided the invocation and benediction.
pittsfield.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.