Rangel Recognizes World Peace Day

Statement

Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in recognition of World Peace Day, which has taken place annually on every September 21st since 2002:

"Since it was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, Peace Day has been a time for us to acknowledge how costly war is and to remember all of those who have died in conflicts. It is also a time for us to encourage all of our global family and friends to celebrate the many victories that have been won for peace throughout the year.

As a veteran of the Korean War, I have seen firsthand how costly war can be. On the night of November 30, 1950, my unit was caught up in heavy fighting in North Korea as the U.N. forces retreated from the Yalu River. I was part of a retreating vehicle column that was trapped and attacked by Chinese forces and I was injured in the back by shrapnel from a Chinese shell. That blast threw me into a ditch and I prayed fervently for my life.

No person should ever have to experience the nightmares that I experienced in Kunu Ri. Yet, on this Peace Day, many areas around the world are engulfed in conflict. Our troops remain entrenched in a costly conflict in Afghanistan, President Bashar al-Assad is brutally suppressing an uprising in Syria, Mexico is dealing with a terrible drug war, and there are several ongoing conflicts in Africa.

Being caught up in these conflicts as either a soldier or a civilian can be devastating. These conflicts destroy lives and hinder the development of nations. It is vital that we make a commitment to work for a more peaceful world."

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