The Korean War was the first test of the United Nations' resolve to stand against tyranny with 21 nations banding together with the United States and South Korea in a remarkable display of solidarity to stem the tide of communism.

"You halted the tide of communism that threatened to sweep over the Korean peninsula, and we will never forget that because of you, the Republic of Korea stands as a modern, prosperous, vibrant democracy because of your courage and sacrifice," said Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos at a ceremony last week.

Known as the forgotten war, the Korean War can often times be overlooked for its impacts when compared to World War II and the Vietnam War due to the censored coverage in the 1950s. The lasting impacts of the Korean War are still being felt today and the brave veterans that helped to fight back during the war can sometimes feel forgotten as well.

For the past few years, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle sought out Korean War veterans to honor and award an Ambassador for Peace Medal for their service and sacrifices during the Korean War.

"This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to American servicemen and women who served in the Korean War," said Alvarado-Ramos.  "The Ambassador for Peace Medal was first presented to veterans as a special memento for those of who returned to South Korea through the ‘Revisit Program'."

The honor has since expanded to veterans who cannot make the long journey to Korea.

The ceremony took place with more than a hundred people in attendance at the Red Lion Columbia Center in Kennewick, Washington, June 8.

"The Ambassador for Peace Medal and Certificate was presented to more than 60 eligible veterans from Washington state, Oregon and Colorado as an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to American servicemen and women," said Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Consul General Lee.

Veterans eligible to receive the Ambassador of Peace Medal must have served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. It is also available for the veterans who participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955.  

Seven medals were awarded to surviving family members and family members receiving on behalf of their Korean War veterans that were too ill to travel.

"We are all here to honor you and your families and to remember and pay tribute to all Korean War veterans who shivered in the trenches, tracked through knee-deep mud, flew combat missions over rugged mountainous terrain, and stood watch over hostile seas," said Alvarado-Ramos. "We thank you for the difference you made and the legacy you have left generations of Americans and our Allies around the world ... we are ALL forever in your debt."