The Westchester Veteran's Memorial Committee (WVMC) invites the public and interested journalists to join in a special commemoration ceremony honoring the 49th Anniversary of the celebrated landing of General Douglas MacArthur in Inchon, Korea. This commemoration will be marked by the transfer and placement of 62 "sacred" granite paving stones, each symbolizing 1000 of the 62,000 the U.S. soldiers killed or missing in action or taken prisoner during the Korean War. These stones will be flown to New York from Inchon to pave the "Trail of Honor" leading up to the Korean War Memorial at Lasdon Park in Somers, New York.

Beginning with a 10:00 AM ceremony on September 15, 1999 at J.F.K. airport, a casket, draped with the flag of the Republic of Korea, will be transferred by Korean representatives to the Westchester Veterans Memorial Committee.

The stones will then be transported by a motorcade consisting of a military hummer, a trailor damaged in the Desert Storm operation, police escorts and veterans in uniform. The motorcade will be met by a convoy of military units, veteran's groups and Boy Scouts at Lasdon Park in Northern Westchester. Following a 2:00 PM benediction ceremony, Korean War Veterans will place the stones along the Trail of Honor -- marking the first time that foreign soil has ever been incorporated into a U.S. War memorial. This service will conclude with a special 3:00 PM VIP and Press reception at the Lasdon main house, which is modeled after George Washington's Mt. Vernon estate.

Visitors will be also able to preview the Korean War Exhibit in Lasdon Park's new Veteran's museum, which will officially open to the public at a dedication service for the Korean War memorial on September 18, 1999. The quarter mile Trail of Honor will remain open throughout the day, along which eleven nationally-recognized busts -- commemorating U.S. conflicts from the revolutionary war to Desert Storm -- are exhibited on a time line along the way to the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

Inchon Mayor Choi, Ki-Sun, who was instrumental in bringing these stones to the U.S., forwarded a personal message to deliver his heartfelt thanks to Korean War Veterans and their families for the blood that was shed to "save our freedom and democracy in Korea 49 years ago". Mayor Choi expressed his hope that the Inchon landing would be viewed "not only as the site of a bloody battlefield, but also as a dramatic symbol of the reversal that changed the course of the Korean War, deepening the blood-tied alliance and close relationship that has helped to contribute to the development of both the United States and Korea".

Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Representative of the 18th Congressional District, Member of the Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee stated "How fitting that these Sacred Stones will arrive in Westchester County on the Anniversary of the landing of the United States forces in Inchon on September 15, 1950. The stones "will serve as an ever-present reminder to us all of the selfless service and sacrifice of the American and Korean veterans who fought in Korea".

WVMC Chairman, Richard W. Dwyer noted, "We thank Mayor Choi and the citizens of Inchon for this kind gesture of their appreciation. As a prelude to the many activities that will be hosted next year as part of the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Korean War, it is our deep hope that this dedication and the opening of our Korean Memorial Site will help to ensure the Koreanconflict is no longer America's forgotten war".

Lasdon Park is the scenic site of a revolutionary war outpost, where George Washington placed runners to observe British troop movements in the area. It is located in Somers, New York, a 40 minute ride from White Plains. To reach the Memorial site, take Route 287 (NYS Thruway) to Route 684 North to Brewster. Take Exit 6 (Katonah Cross River-Route 35). Turn right at Exit 6 to traffic light. Turn left at light on Route 35 over bridge, and go straight about 3 1/2 miles from Route 6. You will pass over another bridge. When you see the large hedges on your left, make a left through the iron gate to enter Lasdon Estate to the Memorial site. Signs will be posted along this route and escorts onto the site will be provided.

For additional information on these September 15, 1999 activities and the WVMC, please contact:

Keith W. Rabin of KWR International at 212-799-4294, fax 212-799-0517, e-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com