SWAMPSCOTT — Community members gathered at the Korean War Memorial on Monument Avenue for a remembrance and wreath-laying led by Lynn-Swampscott Veterans’ Services on Wednesday morning.
On July 27, 1953, military leaders from the United States, North Korea, and China signed the Korean Armistice Agreement, which ended the three-year conflict.
The Korean War Honor Roll Memorial Rock lists the names of hundreds of Korean War veterans who are Swampscott natives. Veterans’ Services Director Mike Sweeney led the ceremony to honor each veteran listed, including Warren Dunphy Jr., John Miller, and George Shore, who died while serving in the war.
“What we are here to do is to honor not just their sacrifice, but their memory,” Sweeney said. “I encourage you after the ceremony to look at these names. I’m sure they are people you are familiar with.”
Korean War veteran Martin McDonough and Vietnam War veteran David Gustavsen laid a wreath sporting the country’s colors as the event came to a close. McDonough, who served for one year when he was just 19 years old, emphasized how significant that relatively short period of time was for the rest of his life.
Resident Joan Kraft Boyages was coincidentally near the memorial when she heard the “Star-Spangled Banner” being played at the event and decided to attend the ceremony. Her brother, Robert Kraft, has his name displayed on the honor roll, as he served in the Navy during the war.
“He is fabulous,” Kraft Boyages said about her brother, who now lives in Ireland.
Sweeney gave credit to Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta and his staff for maintaining the numerous monuments on the street.
