By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A ceremony honoring the Delaware Valley’s veterans was held at the Korean War Memorial at Front and Spruce Streets Monday.

Paul Kowalewski, who served in the Korean War, which has become known as America’s forgotten war, spoke with KYW Newsradio about why it’s important to honor the nation’s veterans.

“They’ve done such a magnificent job, regardless of when or where they were at. We’ve certainly kept the country free. In fact, we’ve kept the world free, just about,” he said.

Kowalewski says it’s very meaningful to him when people thank him for his service.

“I hear much more of it in the last possibly ten to 20 years than I ever have before.”

In fact, it recently happened to him in the supermarket.

“I don’t know whether it was the jacket or the hat I was wearing. And the father told the little boy, ‘why don’t you go over and thank that guy.’ So the kid came over, and it was just great, it really meant a lot.”