President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.
The Trumps placed their hands on a wreath that was positioned ahead of time at the memorial after standing silently to pay their respects.
The Korean War began June 25, 1950 and lasted until July 27, 1953. 5.8 million Americans served in the war, with 36,574 killed, 103,284 wounded, and 8,200 missing in action.
President Trump saluted while Melania Trump placed her hand over her heart while a bugler played “Taps.” Afterward, the Trumps visited an awaiting line of U.S. veterans who fought in the Korean War.
“Appreciate it. Thank you very much. We’ll take good care of all of you,” Trump was overheard telling one of the veterans.
The Trumps were given a brief tour of the memorial, which was dedicated on July 27, 1995, and consists of two mural walls, 19 service member statues, and a pool of remembrance.
The U.S. State Department released a statement recognizing the 70th anniversary of the war.
“June 25th marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. The United States will never forget those from the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and other countries under the United Nations Command who laid down their lives in the name of our shared values of freedom and democracy,” the statement said.
“The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad. The alliance continues to work toward our shared goals of securing peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific. We have formed a robust economic relationship and collaborated in the areas of science and health, most recently in our cooperation in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. We honor those American and ROK troops, and all who stood with them, for their bravery and sacrifice in the Korean War,” the statement added.
