WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War:
“On this day 70 years ago, tens of thousands of soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) crossed the 38th parallel and invaded the Republic of Korea (ROK). Millions of U.S., ROK, and United Nations Command soldiers and civilians fought, suffered, and lost their lives in the three years of conflict that ensued.
“The Korean peninsula remains divided to this day. As the DPRK continues its nuclear and missile program, weapons testing, and other provocations, the United States remains steadfastly committed to our defense obligations to the ROK.
“The U.S.-ROK alliance is critical to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. Over the last seven decades, the alliance has expanded and deepened. In addition to our strong military partnership, the United States and the ROK now enjoy a deep economic relationship with close ties in science and technology, and ample cultural exchanges.
“Today, let us remember and honor the sacrifice and bravery of those who served during the Korean War. They were not only fighting against a hostile force, but fighting for the shared vision of freedom and democracy that both the United States and the ROK still cherish today.”
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