Veterans who served during the Korean War will be honored with the Ambassador for Peace Medal during a ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 1 p.m., in the Great Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St., Boston.
The Cambridge Department of Veterans’ Services is assisting the Republic of South Korea in seeking eligible veterans for this demonstration of appreciation for the sacrifice, service, and friendship of our Cambridge servicemen and women in the Korean War.
The Ambassador for Peace Medal began to be presented to veterans as a special memento for those who returned to South Korea through the Revisit Program. The honor has since expanded to veterans who cannot travel the long journey to Korea. This medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to American service men and women who served in the Korean War.
To be eligible, veterans must fit the following criteria:
- Must have served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. It is also available for the veterans who participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955.
- Commemorative medals may be awarded posthumously. However, please note that the highest priority for presenting the medal is given to veterans who are currently surviving in the US. The next of kin, such as a spouse or descendants, may apply for the medal on behalf of a deceased veteran.
- In order to attend the Statehouse event, Cambridge veterans or their family members must call Cambridge Veterans’ Services at 617-349-4760 or visit the department at 51 Inman St., 2nd Floor, Cambridge by Thursday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m. Staff will assist the veteran or family member to quickly verify eligibility.
“As we honor our veterans from this era, we also wish to invite veterans from all branches and times of service to visit or call our office, or visit us online at CambridgeMA.Gov/Vet,” said Neil MacInnes-Barker, Director of Cambridge Veterans’ Services. “Veterans, their survivors and dependents can learn about all the benefits, services, and programming we offer, including the Veterans Life Recreation Center. If you are not a veteran, but you know one, we also encourage you to pass on this information.”
Link to Informational Flier