To the Editor:
I serve as commander of the Korean War Veterans Association of Hudson County, and I’d like to thank the Bayonne St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for the great parade they had on Sunday, March 20, 2011. My group has marched in this parade since 1995, and I think that this year’s parade was the best ever. The number of marchers and spectators was outstanding.
We would like to thank the viewing public for the great support and terms of endearment, which we experienced the entire parade route. It was heart warming to hear the enthusiastic cheers and thanks that came from the spectators. We are the only veterans’ organization in the parade other than the Catholic War Veterans Post 1612 Color Guard, who led the parade, and we were overwhelmed with the cheers.
My men are now in their mid-70s to 80s, and it is wonderful to see that Bayonne’s citizens have not forgotten them even though we are members of that war that is often referred to as the “Forgotten War.”
How can a war which claimed the lives of more than 53,000 Americans be a Forgotten War? The Korean War Monument in Dennis P. Collins Park near Avenue C has the names of the Bayonne residents who died. In addition, the Marine monument erected at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor has the names of the eight Marines who were members of “Baker Co., 21st Infantry Battalion,” the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unit which was activated by then President Harry S. Truman in August 1950. Eight of their members were killed in combat in 1950 and 1951.
The Korean War Veterans felt the warmth of the Bayonne citizens, and we are eternally grateful. God bless you, one and all.
RALPH “LUCKY” PASQUA
Commander
Korean War Veterans Association of Hudson County