With more than 2.25 million Korean War veterans in the United States today, chances are that one of your aging relatives either participated or supported someone in the war effort. National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day is observed every July 27th and it’s a fine time to let your elderly relatives know that you are grateful for their service and honor their sacrifice.
Many Korean War veterans look forward to participating in private or community events, but due to age, diminishing mobility, poor vision, chronic pain and more, they are limited in what they can do. You, family members and home care providers can work together to ensure the elderly veteran can be a part of any commemorative events help on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
Here are some frequently asked questions about National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day:
Q: What’s the history behind National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day?
A: The Korean War started in 1950, just five years after the conclusion of World War II. Different political and economic regimes sprang up on the Korean peninsula after Japan’s defeat, leading to an invasion by the north into the south. The United States supported the South Koreans and engaged in the conflict, which lasted 1953. On July 27th, 1953 an armistice agreement for a cease fire was signed, reducing hostilities but not easing tensions.
Q: How many Americans were involved in the Korean War?
A: More than 5.7 million Americans served in the Korean War, so chances are that your aging relative is a veteran or was married to or related to a veteran of this war. While the majority of veterans were men, nearly 800,000 women served as well. More than 37,000 service men and women were killed during the conflict.
Q: What kinds of events take place during National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day?
A: Many communities observe this solemn day with small ceremonies that involve flag raising, laying wreaths, and name recognition. There may be ceremonies held at the community’s veteran’s memorial or at the local VA. Some cities decorate the graves of veterans on this day after a small ceremony.
Q: How can family caregivers and home care providers help elderly veterans participate?
A: Many elderly veterans are suffering from advanced age (the average age for Korean War veterans is 69) and rely on family caregivers, friends and home care providers to take care of their needs. If they express interest in attending an event, their support team should do what they can to honor their request.
Q: What can family caregivers do if there are no formal events in the area for National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day?
A: Even if the community isn’t doing anything to observe the day, elderly veterans and their family members and home care providers can take some time on their own. They can hold a moment of silence, watch a Korean War documentary, record the elderly person’s wartime memories, look at a photo album of the conflict era and visit the graves of fellow veterans.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.