Five veterans honored for service in Korean War

Press release from the City of Menifee:

MENIFEE -- Five Menifee residents received a special recognition during the City’s Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday. Deputy Consul General Kwon Songhwan, representing the Republic of Korea, awarded the Korean War Ambassador for Peace Medal to the following veterans for their service during the Korean War:

William Currier (Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps)
Joseph Donaldson (Airman First Class, U.S. Air Force)
Antonio B. Espejo (Second Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force)
James Homant (Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force)
Eugene Wayne Shuey (Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps)

The Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to United States service men and women who served in the Korean War. The Ambassador for Peace Medal was first presented to veterans as a special memento for those who returned to South Korea through the ‘Revisit Program’. The honor has since expanded to veterans who cannot travel the long journey to Korea.

“Korea is a partner to the United States fighting for global peace together but 70 years ago, without these heroes, Korea today would never be possible,” said Songhwan during the ceremony. “So that's why the Korean government and why the people of Korea are forever thankful to these heroes.”

In addition to the medal presentation, the Menifee Veterans Day Ceremony included remarks from keynote speaker SP4 Gerald Thacker (U.S. Army) and Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 1956, the retirement and return of military banners through the City’s Military Banner Program, and an aerial flyover by the Dawn Air Patrol.

“These events are meant for veterans,” said Espejo. “They really give us an appreciation for veterans and honoring us as veterans is something that we'll never forget.”

For information about the City of Menifee’s Military Banner Program, please visit www.cityofmenifee.us/militarybanners.