Distinguished Veterans to Keynote Korean War Era Honor Ceremonies

Charleston – U.S. Senator Tim Scott announced today that two distinguished military veterans will deliver keynote remarks at ceremonies honoring Korean War era veterans and their families later this month. Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the ceasefire that ended the use of armed force in the Korean War, the July 27th honor ceremonies will be held in the Upstate and the Lowcountry to honor the veterans who served in that war, as well as their families. Estimates say that as many as 70,000 Korean War era veterans currently live in South Carolina.

“The bravery of the men and women who fought for our country should never be forgotten,” Senator Scott said. “These ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity for all of us to thank our veterans, and their families, for their service and sacrifice. While we can never fully repay them, we can ensure they are treated with the honor and respect they deserve. I hope all Korean War era veterans, as well as families of veterans who are no longer with us, will join us to be recognized for their heroism.”

Lieutenant Bill Funchess of Clemson will keynote the Upstate honor ceremony. Lt. Funchess was a prisoner of war in Korea, captured by Chinese soldiers after his platoon was overtaken by thousands of enemy troops. He was imprisoned in a mud shack with 11 seriously wounded men for years before being one of the last POW’s released in a prisoner exchange. He arrived in Korea among one of the first waves of American soldiers, ten days after the United States entered the war in 1950. He eventually chronicled his experience for his family. That account was later published as a book by the South Carolina Adjutant General’s office.

Brigadier General Ernest Brockman of Charleston will keynote the Lowcountry ceremony. Brigadier General Brockman retired from the U.S. Army after nearly 40 years of service and is the president of the Charleston chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, among numerous other decorations.

Honor ceremonies will be held on July 27th. The Upstate ceremony will take place at the University of South Carolina-Upstate Readiness Center in Spartanburg at 9 a.m. The Lowcountry ceremony will be held at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston at 4 p.m. Korean War era veterans and family members of deceased veterans in attendance will receive a Congressional Certificate of Appreciation, as well as a commemorative pin. To register, call Senator Scott’s offices in Greenville (864-233-5366), Columbia (803-771-6112), or North Charleston (843-727-4525), or visit www.scott.senate.gov/veterans.