New Exhibit Remembers a "Forgotten War"

The Korean War, fought between 1950 and 1953, is sometimes called the Forgotten War because it was overshadowed by the much larger World War II and Vietnam War.

But for veterans as well as relatives and friends of the more than 3 million people (including 45,000 American soldiers) who died in the conflict, there is nothing to forget.

To honor their memory, the Petaluma Historical Museum is launching a new exhibit about the conflict, featuring photos, artifacts (like a real MASH unit) and an impressive lineup of speakers.

The show kicks off this Saturday with a ceremony proclaiming October 13 Korean War Remembrance Day at 1pm. Among those in attendance with be local Korea War veterans, representatives from South Korea and the United States Coast Guard.

The Korean conflict, never officially declared a war, began in June 1950 when North Korean leader Kim Il Sung launched an invasion of South Korea in an attempt to reunify the peninsula under Communism. President Harry Truman interpreted the invasion as an attempt by Moscow to expand its domain and sent troops to the area.

The show includes interactive videos and informational panels. But it’s most intriguing aspect may well be the speakers’ series. Visitors include Major General Gary Medvigy, a Deputy Commanding Army General stationed in Yongsan, Korea, who will speak about the current situation on the Korean peninsula, Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell who served as a pilot during the war, and other veterans.

Korea: The Forgotten War starts Saturday, October 13 at 1pm and runs through December 16. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for seniors and museum members. For a full description and schedule of museum events, visit www.petalumamuseum.com