Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said the program, being produced by the Greater Akron Remembrance Coalition and funded by the city of Akron, will be held at the same hour that national ceremonies are held in Washington, D.C.

"The Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war," said Plusquellic. "We hope that by sponsoring this event, we will provide people with a better understanding of the history of the Korean War, and an appreciation for the sacrifices made by the veterans of the conflict who have never received proper recognition."

The Greater Akron Remembrance Coalition was assembled last year to commemorate the first anniversary of the September 11 events. Members include the City of Akron, the University of Akron, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the United Way of Summit County, the Downtown Akron Partnership, and media sponsor Rubber City radio. The Coalition has also included Korean War veterans in planning the ceremony.

The Korean War Memorial is located at the intersection of Union Street and Buchtel Common on the grounds of Bierce Library. Artist and Army veteran Carl Floyd created the unique design for the memorial, dedicated to all who served in that war.

Ted Curtis, vice president for capital planning and facilities management at The University of Akron said the memorial contains an eight-ton metal block that represents the machinery of war. Inscribed on the north side of the block is a written commentary and graphic depiction of soldiers framed by the Korean terrain. The south side contains a map of Korea with statistics from the Korean War, and a concrete dome represents the top of the earth. A rusting plinth, which sits above the dome, signifies the ever-changing earth due to war. The point at which the white sphere meets the ground represents the 38th Parallel. Five granite columns represent the five branches of the armed forces.

The July 27 ceremony, on the exact day that the Armistice was signed in 1953, will include honor guards, music, historical and inspirational remarks by speakers including Korean War veterans.

"This is a tribute long overdue for the men and women who served America in a war that is either forgotten or unknown to many people," said Rick Maier, president of the Korean War Veterans Association of Summit County. "No war should ever be forgotten. Life and freedom are too precious to relegate to obscurity the memories of those who gave their lives."

The Greater Akron Remembrance Coalition also announced plans to commemorate the tragedy of September 11 on the anniversary date in 2003. A multi-denominational service will again be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church on Broadway. In 2002, the service was attended by more than 1,000 downtown workers.