Lasting Tribute the Result of Collaboration of Korean War Vets, the City of Worcester and the Ccommonwealth of Massachusetts

Worcester, Massachusetts, September 23, 2002 - Korean War Veterans and their families joined with City, State and Federal officials at 11 a.m. today to break ground at the Central Massachusetts Korean War Memorial site, located on Worcester Center Boulevard near Bridge Street, directly across from the Common Outlets Parking Garage. The Memorial will honor and remember the 190 brave young service men and women from Central Massachusetts, who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. Family members of some of the casualties attended the emotional ceremony, during which an architectural rendering of the Memorial was displayed.

"This collaborative effort among the City, State and Federal Government, and the citizens of Worcester County to build the Korean War Memorial sends the message that we will never forget the sacrifice of our veterans," said Francis R. Carroll, General Chairman of the Korean War Memorial Committee of Central Mass., Inc.

The groundbreaking would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of the Korean War Veterans Association, the City and State, and particularly Commissioner of Veterans' Services Thomas G. Kelley, he said.

Mr. Carroll also noted that special thanks go to U.S. Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry, Congressman James P. McGovern and the late Congressman Joseph Moakley, as well as the entire Central Massachusetts state delegation, led by Senators Guy W. Glodis and Harriette L. Chandler and Representatives John J. Binienda and John P. Fresolo.

Mr. Carroll also expressed gratitude to the City of Worcester and the leadership of City Manager Thomas R. Hoover and Mayor Timothy P. Murray, as well as the City Council. In addition, he expressed his appreciation to St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center for their generosity in hosting a reception following the ceremony.

The groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the Korean War Memorial Committee of Central Mass., a Department of Defense-designated 50th Anniversary Commemorative Community. Its three-year commitment to honor and remember those who served during the Korean War will culminate with the dedication of the Memorial, which is expected to take place in 2003.

Anyone wanting more information about the Memorial should call 1-800-343-0939, extension 23.
Meanwhile, donations can be sent to the Korean War Memorial Committee of Central Mass., Inc., P.O. Box 16568, Worcester, MA 01601.

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