For veterans who served in the "Forgotten War," Korea, keeping their personal stories alive is more than a duty.

As part of the Korean War Veterans Association's "Tell America" speakers program, five members of the Delray Beach-based Lt. Richard Cronan Chapter 17will share their experiences at a meeting of Boy Scout Troop 395 on Sept. 28 at the Living Word Lutheran Church, 2116 Lantana Road.

Neil Mitchell, co-chairman of the Tell America project, said five members of the post will appear in their uniforms and medals and give a short recap of their service history and experiences in Korea.

The Korean War was fought from 1950 to 1953. On July 27, 1953, the United Nations, North Korea and China signed an armistice, ending the fighting.

Mitchell said 30 to 40 Scouts ages 13 to 17 are expected to attend the session. Maps of the war are given to the Scouts, and a lively question-and-answer session is to follow.

He called it an injustice that 36,000 men died inthe war and so little of that sacrifice is remembered.

Lt. Richard Cronan Chapter 17/Courtesy Members of the Lt. Richard Cronan Chapter 17, Korean War Veterans Association recall their Korean War experiences before a high school audience during a Tell America presentation. Members of the Lt. Richard Cronan Chapter 17, Korean War Veterans Association recall their Korean War experiences before a high school audience during a Tell America presentation. (Lt. Richard Cronan Chapter 17/Courtesy)

"It is important to keep the contributions of our men alive, especially when school history books only mention the war in two paragraphs," he said. Mitchell recalled showing an American history teacher a textbook citation, and the teacher "couldn't believe how little about the war was mentioned."

Mitchell said the veterans appreciate the respect they are given by several Korean churches every year and present special dinners to thank them for serving in their country.

"I think these presentations are good," said Ken Harris, assistant scoutmaster and veterans chairman. "There is respect Scouts see in older veterans and how older veterans pay homage to Scouts.

"Scouts want to be good Americans and good citizens, and in particular to be part of this thing between the latest generation and a future great generation to let them to know the sacrifice of the World War II and Korean vets."