Washington: Dozens of former and current U.S. lawmakers, his former staff, and a Korean ambassador gathered at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday to honor late Congressman Charles Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran and longtime supporter of South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO); Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong; Hannah Kim, Rangel's former chief of staff; and others paid tribute to Rangel, who passed away at the age of 94 on May 26. His daughter Alicia Rangel was also present.
An influential representative from New York from 1971 to 2017, the Democrat played a key role in legislative efforts on an array of Korea-related issues, including encouraging peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, as well as supporting reunions of divided Korean American families and Korean War veterans.
Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Korea Caucus, a group of lawmakers supportive of Korea. He chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Committee from 2007-2010 as the first African American to hold that position in Congress.
Noting Rangel's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, Cho described Rangel as a "symbol of sacrifice and trust" that the two countries have shared and a "true friend" of South Korea who represented the value of the longstanding Korea-U.S. alliance, according to his office.
Cho also pointed out Rangel's active support to help secure congressional approval for the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, which now serves as a key institutional framework that has deepened the two countries' economic relations.
Moreover, Cho explained the recent parliamentary passage of a resolution honoring Rangel for his service during the Korean War and contributions to the Seoul-Washington alliance.
Other participants in the ceremony included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
While in Congress, Rangel submitted a series of Korea-related bills and resolutions, underscoring his consistent endeavors to support America's key Asian ally.
They include the 2012 House resolution expressing support for the designation of 2012-2013 as the "Year of the Korean War Veteran"; the 2011 resolution calling for the repatriation of prisoners of war, those missing in action and individuals abducted by North Korea; and the 2010 resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
The late politician is best remembered for his heroic service in the crucible of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Just months after the war's outbreak in June 1950, Rangel, then a member of the 503rd Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, fought in the Battle of Kunu-ri in North Korea, where he led troops out of a deadly Chinese encirclement despite being wounded. He used to say that since that battle, he never had a "bad day."
For his wartime service, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The Bronze Star is given for heroic military achievement in combat zones, while the Purple Heart is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed in action.
In 2007, the Korean government also honored him with the Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, the highest honor in that category.