City of Georgetown honors Korean War veterans for holiday weekend

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Folks along the Grand Strand have honored military men and women all Veterans Day weekend.
A parade in Georgetown celebrated veterans on Friday.
Event leaders hope one group in particular stands out this weekend.
It was nearly 60 years ago when then 17-year-old John Collington heard he was headed overseas.
"I was on the last list, and he said, ‘John Collington. You are going to Korea,’” said Collington.  
Collington's experience fighting in the Korean War isn't a short story, but he can sum it up.
"I would say it was a nasty war. I would say it was a raw war. When I say raw war, most of the time you're by yourself when you're fighting,” said Collington.
The Georgetown County community honors veterans every day in the museum's military room.
Civil War, World War II, and Vietnam memories are all on display.
This Veterans Day, special events organizers want to especially recognize those that, they say, are sometimes overlooked.
“The Korean War is known as ‘The Forgotten War,’ and for too long, the veterans of that war have been forgotten, also,” said Paige Sawyer, who helped organize this year’s Veterans Day activities.
Sawyer says veterans of World War II and the Vietnam War often overshadow the Korean War veterans. He hopes this year's recognition gives them the credit they deserve.
"They are just as important to our nation's history and preserving the freedom as many of the other veterans who have served in previous wars,” Sawyer said.
Collington says he's proud to have served his country and now share the history. It’s made him the Georgetown citizen he is today.
The Georgetown County Museum also features a display unique to the veterans holiday. It was one of 200 museums in the country to show off a mini exhibit from the Department of the Navy’s museum.
The Georgetown County Museum is located at the corner of Prince and Screven Streets. Inside, people will find over 300 years of Georgetown County history.

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By: Libba Holland
WBTW News13


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