Police, Firefighters Honored During Ceremony At Korean War Memorial
By Molly Daly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Among the Memorial Day tributes in the Delaware Valley was a ceremony at Philadelphia's Korean War Memorial in Society Hill.
"In many circles, the Korean War is referred to as the Forgotten War," said Mayor Michael Nutter. "Well, not in Philadelphia. That will never happen."
Mayor Nutter paid tribute to those who gave all, and all who have served or are serving in the military.
But, thanks to the suggestion of the Korean War Memorial Committee, today's event honored the service of the city's police and firefighters, for whom there's not yet a memorial.
"They also defend us, each and every day. They run toward danger, when all civilians go in another direction. Volunteer to give their time and their service, and also unfortunately, make that most heavy sacrifice."
Mayor Nutter called the city's war memorials sacred places and vowed to work to increase the fines and penalties for those who would desecrate them.
Harry McKay saw service as a Marine. "I'm down here to pay tribute to my brothers whose names are on the Korean War Memorial. I'm a Vietnam veteran."
McKay says he's grateful to be able to pay tribute to those who didn't come home. And he's grateful for the service of those who protect us here at home, the police and firefighters.
"They're heroes today, on the streets what they do. I feel as though they're underpaid, overworked and certainly underappreciated. So, all my respect goes out to them. They go out to work like you and I go out to work, carrying lunch, you know. Our chances of coming home after eight hours are pretty high; theirs, you never know."
