Military and civilian leaders from the 21 participating nations of the Korea War participated together once again during a ceremony held at the Korean War Memorial marking the beginning of that conflict 65 years ago.

Often called the forgotten war, Korean and American speakers at the ceremony stressed that the war is far from forgotten.

"The Korean War is not forgotten for those who participated in it, or who benefit today from the peace and security of a free and prosperous South Korea," said Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan. "Instead of calling it forgotten, we should call it the Noble War, in honor of those that gave so much in support of freedom."

Sullivan serves on the Armed Services Committee and is currently an infantry officer and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

During the ceremony, representatives from each participating nation presented a wreath before the Korean War Memorial. The U.S. wreath was presented by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, David Shear and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker.

Opening comments were provided by Maj. Gen. Shin Kyoung Soo, Republic of Korea defense attaché to the United States.

U.S. service members from the National Capital Region provided ceremonial support for the event which was co-produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the U.S. Park Service.