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The free program featuring a performance by about 50 dancers, musicians, artists and athletes, is open to Korean war veterans and their spouses.
By JULIANNE WU
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 31, 2001
SEMINOLE -- As part of a three-year observance of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, a Korean cultural dance program has been scheduled at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Fine Arts Theatre on the Clearwater campus of St. Petersburg Junior College, 2465 Drew St.
Korean War veterans' groups in Seminole and Pinellas Park have teamed up with the Florida Department of the Korean War Veterans Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart to bring "Winter Event 2001 -- Salute to Korean War Veterans" to the Tampa Bay area. It is open to all Korean War veterans and their spouses. Admission is free.
The Korean American Cultural Foundation began touring North America in the summer of 1999. It began its Florida tour Tuesday in Tallahassee and will finish up in Jacksonville on Feb. 7.
The festivities will include a performance by a troupe of about 50 dancers, musicians, artists and athletes from several universities in Korea, said Jack Edwards, president of the Sunshine State Chapter of the Korean War Veterans and co-chairman of the event. There will also be an arts and crafts exhibit including a display of national artifacts and treasures titled "Korea at War and Korea Today."
Also, pendant medallions will be given to all Korean War veterans present whose credentials have been validated beforehand. "These are peace medals," said Edwards. "'They are being presented to Korean War veterans by the Republic of South Korea in appreciation for what the soldiers did in Korea."
To qualify, veterans must have served in Korea or its territorial waters during the war, from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. For more information on eligibility, call Jack Edwards, 582-9353; Sam Farina, 535-7884; or Joan Arcand, 392-5648.