The Overview

The Korean War is often overshadowed by World War II and Vietnam, and NPR reported in 2023 that its veterans still contend with its reputation as the "Forgotten War." About 1.2 million Korean War veterans were still living in 2019, roughly 80 percent fewer than the 5.7 million people who served during the conflict. More than 8,000 Americans remained listed as missing in action as of 2024, according to the U.S. Army. [](#ngr-cd3fcde8-cb9e-4617-ab93-1efbebb6140f)

Pennsylvania's An Act amending Title 38 (Holidays and Observances) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in veteran recognition, providing for Korean War Veterans Armistice Day was introduced March 25, 2025, and enacted as Act No. 45 of 2026. The bill's findings cite the July 27, 1953 armistice, note that approximately 36,000 U.S. service members died in Korea, more than 92,000 were wounded, and 8,000 went missing, and point to the 1995 dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington. The governor approved the measure July 20, 2026, and it takes effect Sept. 18, 2026.

Doug Mastriano is the lead sponsor, and 14 cosponsors joined him, including Lisa Baker, Rosemary Brown, Wayne Fontana and Vincent Hughes.

The Demo

Pennsylvania's 13 million residents have a median age of 40.9, according to 2024 American Community Survey five-year figures. The state's 5.27 million households carry a median income of $77,971, and about 14.4 percent of residents live with a disability.

The Debate

The Senate passed the bill 50 to zero on June 9, 2025. The House later approved the measure with bipartisan support before it went to the governor, according to LocalNews1.org and PennWatch. After the Senate vote, Mastriano said, "We owe it to those who fought and died," in connection with recognizing Korean War veterans.

What's Next

The law designates July 27 of each year as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day and requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public schools and other educational institutions to observe it. The law carries no appropriation or reporting requirement, its implementation consists principally of the governor's annual proclamation, and school participation remains voluntary.

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