A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says he was lost during the first months of the war.
Abraham says that Walker was a part of "one of the first infantry units ordered to Korea." Abraham says that Walker was declared "M.I.A." after being taken prisoner after a battle.
36,914 American Servicemen and women were lost in the conflict that is often referred to as the “Forgotten War”, due its lack of recognition. Abraham says those sacrifices need to be remembered.
Abraham says that people who "defend our country and way of life" need to be honored for their service.
2.5 million people are suspected to have lost their lives during the three year war.
Abraham says hundreds lined the runway as Walker was returned home, in a show of solidarity with all gold star families. Abraham says it’s been cathartic for the north Louisiana community.
Abraham says, "It's closure not only for remainders of the family who are here, but for everyone who has lost a loved one in a war situation."
An armistice was signed in 1953, but the war is technically still ongoing.