Veterans receive peace medals at Vancouver luncheon

VANCOUVER MALL — The state Department of Veterans Affairs presented 11 veterans with an Ambassador for Peace Medal at a Nov. 26 luncheon at Heathman Lodge. The award is “an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to American service men and women,” according to a news release. The medal was first given to veterans as a memento for those of who returned to South Korea through the Revisit Program, and later expanded to veterans who may not be able to travel to Korea. In the months leading up to the event, Washington and Oregon Departments of Veterans Affairs posted call outs looking for eligible veterans, who must have served during the Korean War between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953. The medal is also available for veterans who participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955. Two medals were given to surviving family members, including Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, who received the medal on behalf of her uncle, Daniel McEnerny.