03-05-2025
Korean War veterans honored with Ambassador of Peace Medal at Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — More than 70 years after the end of the Korean War, six local veterans were honored for their service with the Ambassador of Peace Medal during a heartfelt ceremony Saturday morning at the Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home.
The commemorative medals, presented by the Republic of Korea, were awarded in partnership with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. Among the recipients was Anne Sukala, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a Finance Specialist and Supervisor Accountant from 1951 to 1955.
'It's a great honor for me to get this medal, especially after 70 years,' Sukala said. 'A lot of happiness but also a lot of pain, because I did lose a beautiful cousin during the Korean conflict, and it took a long time to bring his body back to Coalport.'
The Ambassador of Peace Medal recognizes U.S. service members who helped defend South Korea during the Korean War. Local Korean resident Ben Chon, who attended the ceremony, reflected on the profound impact of their service.
'I want them to know what great difference they have made for us,' Chon said. 'They laid a foundation for Korea's success.'
Chon also shared a personal message of gratitude: 'I'm here because they were there. My parents are here because of them. Korea is existing today because they were there.'
The ceremony offered both recognition and reflection, giving veterans and their families a moment of closure and pride.
'I hope that their bad memories may turn into a sense of pride,' Chon added. 'I have done something good. Korea today is their legacy. I want them to know.'
The event, held at Eisenhower Veterans Hall, invited community members and media to meet the honorees and hear their stories firsthand.
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