The American Legion hopes Korea repatriations lead to further efforts

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Aug 01, 2018, 13:17 ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization praised the recent repatriation of remains believed to be of U.S. servicemembers who fought in the Korean War.

"Last year, I visited the (DPAA) identification lab at Hikam Air Force Base and was impressed with and moved by the extraordinary professionalism and commitment shown by those charged with accounting for and identifying those listed as Missing in Action," American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan said. "Approximately 7,700 Americans remain missing from the Korean War. Many are believed to be in North Korea. The American Legion hopes that this recent action by North Korea is the beginning of a significant effort to bring them all home and provide closure to the families of our Fallen heroes."

The American Legion is also calling on family members of all Americans who are Missing in Action to provide DNA samples to the Defense Prisoner of War, Missing in Action Agency, www.dpaa.mil, in order to assist in the identification process.

With a current membership of 2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more nearly 13,000 posts across the nation.

Media contacts: John Raughter, [email protected], (317) 630-1253

SOURCE The American Legion