All photos © 2015 Michael Mustacchi & Associates
On September 17, our Korean War Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon was held at the Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel In San Francisco. This popular annual event, co-sponsored by the Marines’ Memorial Club and the Korean War Memorial Foundation, attracted more than 200 attendees: Korean War veterans, their spouses, and other friends. Many of the veterans picked up free copies of the handsome “Korea Reborn” book; and several who had applied in advance received the Ambassador for Peace medal courtesy of the Korean Government.
KWMF’s Eleanor Zapanta shows medal to an arriving vet and his wife
The free “Korea Reborn” books
An informal cocktail reception was followed by a ceremonial Posting of the Colors by a Color Guard of Marines from the San Francisco Recruiting Station, and the playing of the National Anthems of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.
Posting the Colors. In right foreground, MajGen Mike Myatt, USMC (Ret.)
Next, Korean War veteran Denny Weisgerber gave the Invocation. Denny, a retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, was the recipient of the Navy Cross for valor and the Purple Heart for wounds received during the war. He is now Chaplain of the 1st Marine Division Association.
Denny Weisgerber delivers the Invocation
Supervisor Julie Christensen of San Francisco’s District 3 then spoke briefly, expressing gratitude to the veterans on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco.
San Francisco Supervisor Julie Christensen
Then the “eating” part of the luncheon began with toasts, good food, and congenial conversation.
Next came the program’s Special Guest Speaker Joanna Kim-Selby, a Korean-American woman who had been a teenager in Seoul when the war began. She spoke with deep emotion about the sufferings she and her parents and siblings endured while fleeing the invading Communists. Many of the hardened veterans in the audience were moved by Joanna’s recounting of a Korean civilian’s perspective of the war.
Special Guest Speaker Joanna Kim-Selby
Joanna is Executive Director of the East Bay Korean-American Senior Service Center in Oakland, CA. In her long and distinguished career, she has received numerous awards for helping to improve the lives of California seniors and Korean immigrants. She has served on the Board of the California Commission on Aging and the Older Women’s League (OWL). In 2003, Joanna Kim-Selby was awarded the Medal of Honor by the President of the Republic of Korea. Following her speech, KWMF Secretary and Marine Corps Korean War veteran John Stevens presented her with a Plaque of Appreciation.
Joanna Kim Selby with John Stevens
The next speaker was Consul General Han Dong-man of the Republic of Korea. He thanked all Korean War veterans for their service to preserve South Korea’s freedom, and then presented two of the guests with the Korean Government’s Ambassador for Peace Medal. The first recipient was Crispin Salazar, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War.
Consul General Han presents medal to Korean War vet Crispin Salazar
Consul General Han then presented the Ambassador for Peace Medal to Jacqueline Wise, the proud daughter of the late Reynaldo Eddy Acosta, Korean War veteran.
Consul General Han with Jacqueline Wise, wearing her late father’s medal
KWMF Treasurer and Korean War Marine veteran Donald F. Reid then briefed the guests on the Korean War Memorial Foundation’s progress to date and upcoming plans.
KWMF Treasurer Don Reid
After coffee and dessert, the Colors were retired, Chaplain Weisgerber delivered a Benediction, and the guests slowly and reluctantly said their farewells and headed for home.
You can see additional photos from the luncheon in the brief slideshow below.
All photos © 2015 Michael Mustacchi & Associates