JEFFERSON CITY -- As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, State Sen. Anita Yeckel, R-Sunset Hills, reminds all Korean War veterans that the State of Missouri wants to honor them with the newly created Korean Conflict Medal.

"It is my hope that all eligible Korean War veterans will take advantage of this new program," said Yeckel, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Financial and Governmental Organization, Veterans' Affairs and Elections Committee, and was co-sponsor of Senate Bill 219 that created this medal program. "These medals allow Missouri to thank these veterans for so bravely serving our country in a time of great crisis."

Any veteran who served in the military sometime between June 27, 1950, and Jan. 31, 1955, was honorably discharged and resides in Missouri can receive a medallion, medal and certificate of appreciation.

Applications for this program will be accepted between Jan. 2, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2004.

"The men who served in the Korean War gave a piece of their lives for this country and we, as a state, will always be grateful," Yeckel said. "This medals program is a small way of expressing our gratitude."

The Korean War began June 25, 1950, with the invasion of South Korea by North Korea. By the time it ended 37 months later, 95,000 had died in combat, including more than 36,500 Americans.

"History has called the conflict in Korea the 'Forgotten War,'" Yeckel said. "However, I want Missouri Korean War veterans to know that our state has not forgotten them. Their sacrifices will never be overlooked."

For more information on the Korean Conflict Medallion Program, contact the Missouri National Guard at (888) 526-6664 or Yeckel's Jefferson City office, (573) 751-2887.