Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Armistice

- By R.T. Neary
August 7, 2003

It wasn't a gathering of Greater Boston's Power Elite. There was no
schmoozy babbling, tinkling of glasses or sparkling gowns in evidence. On the
contrary, this was quite different from what's in vogue in today's status-conscious
Yuppie society. It was an assembly of 50s American type, maybe today
considered a rare breed.

Were it not on the grounds of the Charlestown Navy Yard, a stranger might
have wondered if he was in a time warp as the air was filled with talk of
God, country, patriotism, the flag, war and sacrifice -- all referred to in
respectful tones.

And the air was not pierced by the sounds coming out of the open, car
windows on the streets, pounding sounds with a disjunctive beat. Rather it was
permeated with patriotic music, so uplifting that as you breathed, you felt
yourself filling with pride for all the blessings we enjoy daily in this nation.
Yes, it was Vintage America.

This day was devoted to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the
signing of the Armistice ending the hostilities in the Korean War, an
undeclared war which claimed the lives of over 50,000 American servicemen. Granite
benches and folding chairs were occupied by Gold Star Mothers and Wives,
veterans and their families. Those present who had served in the military gained
little recognition for their sacrifices, and it was a conflict which after three
years from l950 to l953 ended approximately where it started.

Distinguishing this event from a run-of-the- mill contemporary gathering
was the prevailing mood, one of satisfaction without entitlement, chauvinism
or rancor -- just the flavor of old-fashioned Americanism -- the elevated spirit
we get whenever an antique car rolls by.

During the program there were no self-serving pronouncements or ego by
those responsible for it, and South Korean Counsel General Jayson Park
conveyed a passion in his words of appreciation to his country's ally and true
friend. And much in evidence by all was praise and gratefulness for those who shed
blood from the Pusan peninsular through the Iron Triangle to the Yalu River,
including over 8000 who are still classified as MIAs.

July 27, 2003 was a very special day in several other ways because it
told us a great deal about present-day America too. The upbeat mood included
appreciation for those involved in our current efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
around the world. Although referenced but not dwelled on, it was not
difficult to note that this was the celebration of the end of hostilities in "The
Forgotten War." What a sad commentary for a country and city which boasts of the
finest educational facilities in all the world.

And conspicuous by their absence were the two U.S. Senators from
Massachusetts and the mayor of this city with such a plethora of history -- a history
laced with courage, determination and commitment to lofty ideals.

While these "no-shows" appeared in numerous photo-ops the next day at a
well-publicized organizational meeting for the Democrats' National Convention
next summer, their absence could be considered a Godsend as they really would
have detracted from the integrity of the event. The focus of this day was to
pay tribute to the well-deserved memory of others -- true heroes -- and that end
was attained.

Also, the next day the Boston Globe at the bottom of C8 ran an AP release
from Panmunjon, Korea, captioned "Both Sides Remember Korean War." It was
obvious that they did not see fit to have a reporter capture some of the memories
of over l000 of yesterday's youth who paid with their lives. And how tragic
it is that the largest media outlet in the area devotes so much time and
space to pushing issues which run totally counter to the ideals of that era,
while ignoring the memory of those who cultivated the seedbed for the fruits of
freedom we harvest today.

In this the summer of 2003 events such as what took place almost in the
shadows of the masts of the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument
should cause us to take great pride in the price some have paid in service to this
country. But it should also highlight the enormous gap which has developed in
the last half-century between the ideals of that day which asked men to risk
their lives, and current movements and agendas which have started to tear at
our nations seams.

Amid the hollow rhetoric we are so often subjected to in this
Commonwealth, a respectful call for a continuation of God's graces on us should be heard
more often. And a look back at our history is of indispensable value.