Deb Fischer
On July 27, our nation pauses to observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the 1953 signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Nearly 55,000 Nebraskans answered the call to serve during the Korean War, leaving their families and putting their futures on hold to fight for something larger than themselves.
In Washington, D.C., their service is etched in stone at the Korean War Veterans Memorial’s Wall of Remembrance. Across 100 granite panels, the wall bears the names of more than 36,000 Americans who gave their lives, alongside over 7,100 Korean soldiers assigned to U.S. Army units who died fighting for the same cause. It is a powerful tribute that reminds us just how steep the cost of freedom can be.
For decades, the Korean War has carried an unfortunate nickname: the “Forgotten War.” Sandwiched between World War II and Vietnam, its veterans have too often gone unrecognized. That is why days like this one matter. We cannot allow the men and women who served our nation and stood up for freedom and democracy to be forgotten.
In Nebraska, this is at the forefront of the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). This agency’s sacred mission to account for missing service members — including from the Korean War — is part of the solemn commitment our country makes to service members willing to give their lives for the defense of our country. They do the hard work of honoring our nation’s promise to never leave a U.S. service member behind.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, I advocate for federal funding to support DPAA’s valiant mission and our veterans’ health care and benefits programs. In the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I authorized $40 million above the president’s budget request to further the agency’s efforts and $69 million for a new DPAA laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base.
Back home, communities across Nebraska are stepping up to honor their service.
The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) is hosting a ceremony on July 24 at the University of Nebraska– Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium, where Korean War veterans in attendance will receive a special challenge coin in recognition of their service.
This is part of the state’s Korean War Veteran Recognition Program — a wonderful initiative honoring Nebraska’s living Korean War veterans with a specially minted challenge coin. To qualify, veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955; be legal residents of Nebraska or able to demonstrate Nebraska residency at the time they entered service; and have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Presented in a blue velvet case, the coin features the 48-star U.S. flag from the period alongside the flag of South Korea above the words “Korean War Veteran.” Around the coin’s edge reads the inscription, “Honoring those who answered the call to defend a country they never knew,” while the NDVA seal appears on the reverse.
In addition to the state’s special event in Lincoln, many more counties and local organizations are holding their own tributes in the coming weeks.
If you would like to honor a Korean War veteran, consider marking your calendar and showing up to say thank you in person:
Knox and Antelope Counties
Creighton Community Center & Inn — 406 Rice St, Creighton
Sunday, July 26, 2026 — 1 p.m.
Omaha
American Legion Post 1 — 7811 Davenport St, Omaha Monday, July 27, 2026 — 2 p.m.
Custer County
Custer Co. Fairgrounds — 44100 Memorial Dr, Broken Bow Monday, July 27, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
Gage County
American Legion Post 27 — Beatrice Friday, July 31, 2026 — 11:45 a.m.
Nuckolls and Clay Counties American Legion Post 187 — Nelson Sunday, August 16, 2026 — 3 p.m.
South Omaha
American Legion / Disabled American Veterans — 4515 F St, Omaha Saturday, August 22, 2026 — 4 p.m.
Otoe County
Veterans Memorial Building — 810 1st Corso, Nebraska City Saturday, August 22, 2026 — 5 p.m.
A full list of statewide events can be found at veterans.nebraska. gov/korea. We owe a great debt of gratitude to these veterans. They answered our nation’s call during a conflict that history nearly overlooked. To every Nebraskan who served in Korea: thank you for your service, your bravery, and your sacrifice. Our freedom was never free, and we remain forever grateful.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting again with you next week.
Deb Fischer represents Nebraska in the United States Senate. Read her column in the Nance County Journal.