LYNN — Mayor Jared Nicholson proclaimed July 25, 2024 as Korean War Memorial Day at a ceremony hosted by the Department of Veterans Services at City Hall. Often called the Forgotten War due to it being overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War, the Korean War started on June 25, 1950, when the North Korean military stormed across the 38th parallel, invading South Korea. “Lynn is proud of the sacrifices made by those in our city who served with bravery and distinction in the Korean War, and most especially, the men whose names are listed on the Lynn Korean War Veterans Memorial,” Nicholson said in his proclamation.
On July 27, 1953, an armistice was signed, ending organized combat operations and leaving the Korean Peninsula divided. Veterans Services Director Mike Sweeney emceed the ceremony and held a moment of silence for the 33 men from Lynn who died in the war. Korean War veteran James “Jim” Smith sang along to the national anthem and spoke on his time during and after the war following the ceremony.
Smith was stationed in France for 17 months from 1952 to 1954, serving as a private in the U.S. Army.
Due to his poor eyesight, Smith was kept away from battle, spending the majority of his deployment unloading supplies and moving machinery from trucks and trains. Smith joked that he has been called “little Schwarzenegger” due to his short stature and ability to life large amounts. He said that he actually enjoyed most of his time in France, and when he ca.