119-sres304

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 304 Agreed to Senate

    (ATS) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
S. RES. 304

 Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War 
 and reaffirming the critical importance of maintaining military 
 readiness in defense of the United States and its allies.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 June 25 (legislative day, June 24), 2025

Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Schatz, and Ms. Duckworth) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War 
 and reaffirming the critical importance of maintaining military 
 readiness in defense of the United States and its allies.

Whereas June 25, 2025, marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the brutal 
 three-year conflict known as the Korean War, which began when the armed 
 forces of North Korea launched a full-scale invasion of the Republic of 
 Korea;
Whereas the United States, under resolutions of the United Nations Security 
 Council, responded to that unprovoked aggression and mobilized more than 
 1,700,000 United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, and led 
 a unified United Nations Command to fight in defense of freedom and 
 security on the Korean Peninsula;
Whereas more than 103,000 Americans were wounded, and 36,574 Americans made the 
 ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending the security of the 
 Republic of Korea, while more than 7,500 remain unaccounted for;
Whereas the Korean War has long been referred to as the ``Forgotten War,'' which 
 fails to recognize the significance of this noble chapter in American 
 history, as well as the sacrifice and valor of American service members;
Whereas the defense of the Republic of Korea by United States and allied forces 
 allowed for the development of the modern Republic of Korea into a 
 robust market economy, a vibrant democracy, a strong ally of the United 
 States, and a bedrock contributor to regional stability and the global 
 community;
Whereas the Republic of Korea endured immense hardship during the war, suffering 
 137,899 soldiers killed, 450,742 injured, and more than 30,000 missing 
 or captured, in addition to almost 1,000,000 civilian casualties, yet 
 demonstrated extraordinary resilience and resolve in the face of 
 destruction and invasion;
Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea alliance, formed with the signing of 
 the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of 
 Korea on October 1, 1953, is a mutual commitment to the other's defense, 
 in accordance with constitutional processes, in the event of an armed 
 attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties;
Whereas the hard-learned lessons of the Korean War underscore the ongoing need 
 for strategic, operational, and tactical readiness across all branches 
 of the military in an increasingly dangerous global environment; and
Whereas the words engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial--``Freedom is not 
 free''--remain a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty and the 
 importance of military preparedness: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the Senate--

    (1) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of 
 the Korean War and honors the bravery, sacrifice, and service 
 of the United States Armed Forces and allies who fought to 
 defend the people of the Republic of Korea from being conquered 
 by the communists of North Korea, the People's Republic of 
 China, and the Soviet Union;

    (2) recognizes the Republic of Korea as a vital treaty ally 
 and linchpin of peace, security, trade, and democratic values 
 for Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region;

    (3) acknowledges the enduring legacy of the Korean War in 
 shaping United States defense policy and alliances in the Indo-
 Pacific region;

    (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to 
 maintaining a strong, modern, and fully prepared military force 
 capable of deterring aggression and defending national security 
 interests;

    (5) urges continued investment in training, equipment, and 
 support for members of the United States Armed Forces to ensure 
 military readiness across all domains, including land, sea, 
 air, space, and cyber; and

    (6) calls upon all people of the United States to remember 
 the Korean War not as the ``Forgotten War,'' but as the ``Noble 
 War,'' an endeavor that preserved freedom for millions and 
 exemplified the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the 
 United States Armed Forces.
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