PRESS RELEASE – November 25, 2013
DKWF EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DETENTION OF WAR VETERAN
– Calls for immediate, official efforts to secure his release and bring him safely home
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Descendants of Korean War Foundation (DKWF) is gravely concerned by the report that one of America’s own elderly Korean War veterans, Merrill E. Newman, 85, of Palo Alto, California, has been detained and held by North Korean authorities since October 26th — almost one month. Mr. Newman was on a tourist visit to see a place where he and his fellow veterans served six decades ago. DKWF was involved in commemorative efforts this past July to honor these veterans on the sixtieth anniversary of the armistice which silenced the guns along the DMZ. In his July 27th address to veterans in front of the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall, President Obama said “ Your service will never be forgotten. You have the thanks of a grateful nation.” Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Newman and his family as we look to our government to fulfill its promise to take care of Mr. Newman and bring him safely home as soon as possible during this holiday season.
DKWF is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit organization run solely by volunteers and dedicated to recognizing, remembering and honoring the U.S. men and women who fought for freedom and democracy during the Korean War, often referred to as “the Forgotten War.” DKWF offers scholarships and internship opportunities to descendants of U.S. veterans of the Korean War.
Contact: Mr. Dennis Halpin | DKWF Executive Board | 202-297-3011