Cherokee County plans to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War’s end by honoring local residents who helped defend South Korea against communist aggression.

The Korean War, often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” was fought by more than 1.6 million Americans to prevent communist aggression in Korea from June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955. The United States lost 54,246 servicemen while fighting to repel an invasion by North Korean forces into South Korea.

It was the first major armed conflict of the Cold War with communist China entering the Korean War and receiving assistance from the Soviet Union. The war eventually ended with an agreement creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a 2.5 mile wide buffer between South and North Korea.

Korean War veterans are being honored this year in the 16 nations which were involved in defending South Korea.

“I would like veterans of the Korean War to contact the veterans affairs office and give us some info on when they served,” Cherokee County Veterans Affairs Officer Todd Humphries said.

“We want to get names of the men and women who served in the Korean War for a recognition ceremony some time this year. The Korean War is best known as the Forgotten War, and it is time that we come together and remember them this year.”

Cherokee County residents who served in the Korean War are asked to contact the local Veterans Affairs office at 487-2579.