For some veterans, the Korean War is an experience to be remembered and honored.

That remembrance occurred the morning of July 24 for a wreath laying ceremony at the Washington State Korean War Veterans Memorial on the East Capitol Plaza in Olympia. The event marked the 57th year since the signing of the armistice agreement ending combat operations between the United States and North Korea.

Technically, however, the war has not ended.

"I've been coming to these ceremonies ever since they began," commented Tom Regan, a former Special Forces soldier who served in Korea.

When asked about North Korea's belligerent remarks toward the United States and South Korea, Regan replied, "North Korea issues a lot of empty threats."

Korean War veterans from several groups such as American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Chosen Few played major roles during the placing of wreaths in front of the memorial. During the conflict, approximately 122,000 Washington residents served, with 532 giving the last full measure. Before the ceremony, orange roses had been placed on the granite marker where their names appear.

"It is good to be here and to remember the sacrifices made then," commented retired Army Maj. Gen. John Hemphill. "It is also sad to see that not as many veterans are here this year as there were last year."

As the number of Korean War veterans dwindles, the spirit among those who remain is proud.

"We did our duty, and we did it well," said Jim Lambert, an Army veteran who was one of the first to get into the fight with the 25th Infantry Division. "We won that war, and South Korea is free today because of our sacrifices."