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Eventually , the center will have photos of Korean War veterans with ties to Oregon , items used during the war and interactive components that tell the stories of those who served .
Wilsonville gets first look at Korean War interpretive center
By KAELYN CASSIDY Pamplin Media Group
Hundreds gathered in Town Center Park on Saturday , July 29 , to commemorate the end of the Korean War and honor its veterans .
The event celebrated 70th anniversaries of the Korean War armistice and the U . S . alliance with the Republic of Korea , and attendees were given the opportunity to preview the long-awaited Oregon Korean War Memorial Interpretive Center .
Packed under shady canopies , the crowd heard remarks from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle Seo , Eunji , Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick , Korean War veteran Chuck Lusardi , Wilsonville Mayor Julie Fitzgerald , Korean Society of Oregon President Kim , Heon Soo , state Sen . James Manning , D-Eugene , and Governor Tina Kotek .
“ We veterans of the war feel that our efforts were not in vain ,” Lusardi said .
Nine Korean War veterans were awarded Korean Ambassador for Peace Medals , five of which were awarded posthumously and accepted by a family member at the ceremony . Kotek accepted a medal on her father ’ s behalf .
“ I would not have missed this event for anything ,” Kotek said after reflecting on her father ’ s military service .
Following the ceremony , the doors to the interpretive center opened to the public for the first time . Work on the center is ongoing , but informational posters and war artifacts were on display for guests .
The center is a collaboration between the Korean War Memorial Foundation of Oregon , the Oregon Trail chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association and the city of
Wilsonville , and has been under construction for the last three years .
A grand opening hasn ’ t yet been announced , but it will eventually feature a topographical map of North and South Korea , which demonstrates the area ’ s terrain , as well as photos of Korean War troops with ties to Oregon and informational panels explaining details about the war . There will also be screens playing videos of interviews with Korean War veterans and artifacts worn and used by troops .
“ The hope is that the interpretive center will provide a broader context regarding the Korean War and the men and women who served in it by focusing on veterans ’ personal stories and what they worked with to carry out their mission 70 years ago ,” Lusardi said .
Melinda Buckles sings the national anthem at the ceremony on July 29 .
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