Griffo & Buttenschon announce signing of legislation honoring Korean War veterans

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, and state Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-C-Marcy, announced today that legislation they sponsored in their respective chambers has been signed into law by the governor. 

The legislation (S8581A/A8369A) designates a portion of State Route 365 in Rome as the Oneida County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. 

“I am pleased that the governor has signed into law legislation that I sponsored designating a portion of State Route 365 in Rome as ‘Oneida County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway,’” Sen. Griffo said. “We must never forget the men and women who served in the Korean War. This special designation allows us to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by all those who participated in this devastating conflict and to express our sincere gratitude for their service to our nation."   

“The Korean War is sometimes defined as the ‘Forgotten War,’” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “This piece of legislation was brought forward by veterans who never forgot. I was honored to sponsor this legislation and appreciate the governor signing it so quickly to honor our Oneida County Korean War Veterans. God bless all veterans.” 

In recognition of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, which is observed on July 27 to recognize the day that the Korean War armistice was signed in 1953, Sen. Griffo and Assemblywoman Buttenschon are inviting the public to attend a special ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, to officially dedicate the highway.  

The ceremony will take place in front of the former Oneida Correctional Facility located in the area of 6100 School Road in Rome. School Road connects with Route 26 (Rome Road) and Lamphear Road, both of which are accessible from State Route 365. 

Joining the legislators at the event will be Korean War veterans and their families, area veterans, members of the military and local elected officials. 

Often referred to as the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War occurred between World War II and the Vietnam War, beginning in June 1950. An armistice ending hostilities was agreed to on July 27, 1953, but no formal peace treaty has been signed. More than 36,000 U.S. service members who were either killed, including 33 from Oneida County, were killed in the conflict. Thousands more were wounded, captured or are considered missing in action.  

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