by Douglas Finlay What began as a “police action” in Korea a scant five years after WWII finally received its own memorial on Saturday as a Korean War monument was unveiled at Bellmore’s Veterans Memorial Park on Bedford Avenue. The memorial joins WWI, WWII and Vietnam War memorials at the veterans park near the Bellmore train station. “We’re very pleased to finally be remembered,” remarked Howard Plattner, commander of the Korean War Veterans Nassau County Chapter 1. “It’s about time, after all,” added Korean War veteran Dick Doster of Wantagh. Bernie Hoffman of Merrick, former commander of the Merrick Post 1282 of the American Legion, told this newspaper that Pat Yngstrom, Commander of the American Legion Post 1746 in North Bellmore, told him that Korean War vets weren’t being represented by a memorial in their honor at the Veterans Memorial Park on Bedford Avenue. “I spoke to Howard [Commander Plattner] and he talked with Senator Fuschillo,” said Mr. Hoffmann.
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Mario Dell’Aera of Levittown reminded Merrick Life that “Nobody knew it was a war” back then. It was called a police action initiated by the United Nations soon after the end of World War II. North Korean troops entered into South Korea and the U.S. went to its aid, via the U.N. When soldiers came home from the conflict – it was called a conflict, not a war – there was nothing made of their heroism, said Gene Marshsteiner of Levittown. Over 54,000 soldiers died in the conflict in just three years. There have also been 131 recipients of the Medal of Honor for bravery during the conflict.“We appreciate their remembrance of us today with the memorial,” he said. It wasn’t until June 27, 2005, that Senate bill S.1512 granted a federal charter to the Korean War Veterans Association that met the requirements for a veterans service organization. The bill allowed veterans to get benefits for injuries sustained during the Korean conflict, even though Congress never declared it an official war and the conflict only ended by a cease fire declaration. The Korean War spawned household names such as “Pork Chop Hill,” “Incheon” and “M.A.S.H,” one of the
most popular television programs. The comedy program portrayed an Army hospital attending to wounded troops in South Korea. When the difference between soldiers now fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and those who fought in the Korean conflict was asked about, Commander Plattner said that soldiers today don’t actually know who the enemy really is. “We knew the name of the people we were fighting,” he said. “We were fight-
ing the Communists.” He added that soldiers today are often sent for second and third tours of duty, creating further stress on them. State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. spurred installation of the stone memorializing those who died in the Korean conflict. “This is older grant money that was available for this type of this dedication,” said the senator. – With additional reporting by Janurie Ulett, a Merrick Life intern.
FINALLY GETTIN’ SOME RESPECT: Several members of the Korean War Veterans of Nassau County, Chapter 1, from neighboring communities gather around a new memorial stone at Bellmore’s Veterans Memorial Park with state Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., which is dedicated to those who died in the Korean conflict. The stone now stands among memorials for WWI, WWII and Vietnam War veterans. Merrick Life photo by Douglas Finlay
Merrick Library Skype and chatting online
Monday, August 6, at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to set up and use Skype and instant messaging programs such as Google chat and Yahoo messenger. Get the webcam ready for video chat just in time to talk to your loved ones going off to college. This class is a lecture and all are welcome to attend.
Current Events Club
Thursday, August 9, 2 p.m. Attention news junkies! If you follow current events, join the Merrick Library’s discussion group, moderated by local historian Jack Bilello. The club looks behind the headlines of stories local, national and international. Learn more about what’s going on in our world! All are welcome to attend.
Bead for Life party for teens
Thursday, August 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The library hosts a “Party with Purpose.” Come with your friends, make jewelry and learn how recycled paper becomes beautiful beads, income and hope for Ugandan women.
North Merrick Library
puffs, pizza rolls, nacho rolls and apple cinnamon rolls.
From the Children’s Room
Friday, August 3, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., children entering grades K-2 will hear nighttime stories and create spinning tops from recycled CDs at the Moon Spinners program. Registration has begun. The library will hold Family Game Night on Tuesday, August 7, from 7-8:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy some board games and have some fun playing Scrabble, Candyland, Boggle, Apples to Apples and more. Turn off the TVs and iPads and spend some quality time with the family. No registration; held in Multipurpose Room B. From 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, children ages 3-5 years will hear dreamy stories and create a star wand in the Dream and Wish Story Craft program. Registration has begun. Children attend program without caregivers.
August 18 bus trip
The Fabulous ’50s Linda Ipanema and Stan Edwards present a tribute to the wonderful singers and songs of this exciting decade. More than a tribute, Linda and Stan undercut nostalgia and sentimentality with raucous comedy and irreverence. This husband and wife duo, despite being opposites, complement each other with their sentiment, warmth and talent. You’ll be up singing, dancing and clapping through the entire performance to the songs of yesterday, including “Music, Music, Music”; “Mambo Italiano”; “Heart of My Heart”; “Sincerely”; “I’m Yours”; “Chances Are”; “Rock Around the Clock” and more all-time favorites. Linda and Stan guarantee to put a smile on your face and love in your heart! The concert is Wednesday, August 15, at 7 p.m. Picnic suppers encouraged.
Register now for August Bus Trip: South Fork – the Hamptons; Longhouse Reserve, on Tuesday, August 14 , from 8:15 a.m.6:30 p.m. The Hampton Jitney will whisk you away for a day in East Hampton and Southampton. Begin with a tour of the world famous Longhouse Reserve gardens. The reserve encompasses nearly 16 acres and exemplifies art in all its forms – spectacular gardens and sculpture reflecing world culture – a truly visual treat. In addition, you’ll have time to explore the incredible new gift shop that has recently opened on the premises. Luncheon will follow at the Southampton Public House with a choice of entree (sauteed chicken breast with baby spinach, mozzarella cheese; fusilli primavera with roasted garlic oil; or orange glazed Atlantic salmon) at registration, which is taking place now. All inclusive price is $82, payable check only to RnM Tours at registration.
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Anything in a blanket for teens
NOVENA TO ST. JUDE Oh Holy St. Jude, Apostle & Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance. Help in my present and urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you be be invoked. St. Jude, Pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Marys, 3 Glorias. Say for 9 consecutive days, Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. Thank You for answering prayers. VR 868DC1905
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Thursday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. Fee $3. Create some great snacks using biscuit dough; make mini cheese
Page 7 Thursday, August 2, 2012 Merrick Life
Korean War Memorial is unveiled at local Vets Memorial Park