January 26, 2024
On January 26, 2024, the Republic of Korea (ROK) posthumously presented General Douglas MacArthur with the ROK Order of Military Merit, First Class during a special ceremony at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. The distinguished award is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor and is Korea’s highest honor bestowed for military valor.
During the ceremony, a statement by Arthur MacArthur IV was read:
“On behalf of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation and the MacArthur Memorial, please accept my thanks for the issue of the Order of Military Merit, First Class, to my father. The award is a testament to my father’s legacy and an honor that forever binds him to the people of Korea. Again, I thank you for honoring my father and I accept the Order of Military Merit, First Class, on his behalf.”
It was a fitting day and venue for the ceremony. As highlighted during the event, the day also commemorated General MacArthur’s 144th birthday. Additionally, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the MacArthur Memorial. Since 1964, the Memorial has paid tribute and honored the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. During that time, the Memorial has evolved into a premier historical center and international beacon of education and scholarship.
For members of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), General MacArthur’s leadership and contributions as the first Commander of the United Nations Command are remembered and honored as a strong foundation for the ROK-U.S. Alliance.
General (Ret.) Curtis Scaparrotti, 29th Commander of the United Nations Command and current KDVA Chairman and President, commented on the significance of the ceremony and KDVA’s partnership with the MacArthur Memorial stating, “When I was the Commander of the United Nations Command in Korea, I was honored to follow in the footsteps of the first UNC Commander, General MacArthur, who made a lasting and historic impact in Korea. I think today’s ceremony embodies General MacArthur’s vision for the Memorial: to preserve the memory of the past while always keeping an eye on the future. I am proud that KDVA’s initiatives with the Memorial will advance General MacArthur’s vision by educating generations of visitors about the ROK-U.S. Alliance and honoring all Veterans who defended South Korea during the Korean War.”
General Curtis Scaparrotti
Commander of the United Nations Command, 2013-2016
KDVA’s Steve Lee and Earlene Hollerith attended the ceremony. Steve Lee stated, “KDVA was honored to be a part of this ceremony. I was very moved to learn that ROK President Syngman Rhee promised a special medal to General MacArthur for saving the Korean people, and today that promised was fulfilled.”
KDVA VP, Earlene Hollerith, and KDVA Senior VP, Steve Lee, standing next to General Douglas MacArthur’s ROK Order of Military Merit, First Order at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA on January 26, 2024.
Over the past year, KDVA and the MacArthur Memorial have been working on a special project to create Korean translations for the Memorial’s Korea exhibits. The partnership with the MacArthur Memorial marks one of several important initiatives KDVA is pursuing in 2024. During this coming year, KDVA plans to open several U.S. chapters as well as KDVA Campus Clubs in the United States and Korea. We are grateful for every donor, member, and supporter that enable our efforts for the Alliance and our Veterans.
KDVA is a 501c(3) non-political, non-profit organization registered in Virginia. KDVA was formed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and support the people who built and serve the Alliance.
Please join KDVA for FREE – anyone interested in Korea and Veterans are welcome!
Visit us at http://www.kdva.vet, and follow us on Facebook (@kdva.us) and Twitter (@KDVAvets).
Please support the MacArthur Memorial at www.macarthurmemorial.org.
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