WASHINGTON -- The United Nations Command with support from
U.S. Forces Korea today repatriated 55 cases of remains of fallen U.S. service
members returned by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, also known as
North Korea, according to a news release.
A U.S. cargo aircraft flew to Wonson, North Korea, to
receive the remains and returned promptly to Osan Air Base, South Korea, the
release said.
“It was a successful mission following extensive
coordination,” United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces
Korea commander Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks said in the release.
“Now, we will prepare to honor our fallen before they
continue on their journey home,” Brooks added.
Brooks will host a full honors ceremony for the fallen
service members August 1. Immediately following that ceremony, the remains will
be flown to Hawaii for further processing under the Defense POW/MIA Accounting
Agency.
The UNC in Korea remains committed to enforcing the 1953
U.N. Armistice Agreement to return fallen service members, the release said.
“The United States owes a profound debt of gratitude to
those American service members who gave their lives in service to their country
and we are working diligently to bring them home” according to a statement
released by the White House. “It is a solemn obligation of the United States
government to ensure that the remains are handled with dignity and properly
accounted for so their families receive them in an honorable manner.
“Today’s actions represent a significant first step to
recommence the repatriation of remains from North Korea and to resume field
operations in North Korea to search for the estimated 5,300 Americans who have
not yet returned home,” the statement added.
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