WHEREAS, The United States holds as its highest ideals freedom, democracy, and self-determination and strives to spread these ideals to every man, woman, and child on earth; and
     WHEREAS, The United States entered the Vietnam War to prevent a Communist takeover of our friends in South Vietnam and more than three million American troops fought bravely in the cause of freedom and democracy; and
     WHEREAS, 58,193 American soldiers were killed, more than 300,000 were wounded, and 2,000 American troops are missing in action; and
     WHEREAS, Vietnam veterans faced a harsh, unwelcoming, and angry public when they returned to American soil despite their valiant and heroic service; and
     WHEREAS, The American soldier strives to be a symbol of freedom, democracy, and kindness around the world; and
     WHEREAS, Korean soldiers were sent to the Vietnam War to support American troops and the cause of freedom at the request of the United States; and
     WHEREAS, 325,517 Korean soldiers were in Vietnam from 1964 until the last soldier left Saigon on March 23, 1973; and
     WHEREAS, 5,099 Korean soldiers were killed and 10,962 Korean soldiers were injured; and
     WHEREAS, Korean troops were known throughout the conflict for their effectiveness and fought alongside American troops in all areas of the theater; and
     WHEREAS, It is estimated that 20 percent of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War suffer significant injuries including PTSD, total disability, and effects of Agent Orange; and
     WHEREAS, 98 Korean Vietnam veterans currently live in Washington and 1,300 are estimated to live in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, Approximately 95 percent of Korean Vietnam veterans in the United States are American citizens; and
     WHEREAS, The citizens of Washington owe their appreciation to all veterans who have fought for our liberty, many paying the ultimate sacrifice; and
     WHEREAS, Korean veterans of the Vietnam War are especially dedicated to the ideals of freedom and democracy;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the Korean veterans of the Vietnam War for their service to the American people and the citizens of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor American veterans who fought in the Vietnam War; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Northwest Korean Vietnam Veterans Group and the Korean Consulate in Seattle.