Headquarters, United States Forces Korea 50th Anniversary Proclamation

  • Published
  • By Gen. B.B. Bell
  • United States Forces Korea Commander
Yongsan Army Base, Republic of Korea --  Fifty years ago today on July 1, 1957, United States Forces Korea headquarters was established to serve as a joint planning headquarters for United States forces serving on the Korean Peninsula. Under the command of General George H. Decker, United States Army, this headquarters was tangible evidence of the American commitment to the Republic of Korea-United States Mutual Defense Treaty of 1954 and the fledgling Republic of Korea. 

In the ensuing half century, hundreds of thousands of dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, civilians and contractors have played a key role in providing security on the Korean Penisula and stability in Northeast Asia. Their service was not without a cost. Fifty-eight of our USFK Servicemembers were killed in action along the Demilitarized Zone and another thirty-two died in the adjacent airspace and waters while securing the freedoms and liberty of this great land. 

Although we mourn the loss of our brethren, we celebrate the success of our partner and ally, the Republic of Korea. Supported by the security guarantees of the United States, the Republic of Korea rose from the devastation of the Korean War to become a beacon of freedom and democracy and an economic success story as the 11th largest economic power in the world. 

In celebrating this Fiftieth Anniversary of headquarters, United States Forces Korea, let us dedicate ourselves to the enduring future of our ROK-US partnership. Reaffirming our bilateral national commitment to meeting common dangers, whatever they may be, American forces are again transforming on the peninsula to ensure an enduring presence and support for the defense of the Republic of Korea. Our presence in Korea today, and tomorrow, contributes to regional peace, security, and stability; the fundamental national interests of both our nations. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, B. B. Bell, General United States Army, hereby designate 1 July 2007 as the 50th Anniversary Day for United States Forces Korea. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of July, in the year two thousand and seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thrity-first.