"We were afraid they would be forgotten in the same fashion as the Korean veterans were," said Korea War Memorial President Bill Kelly.
The Philadelphia Korean War memorial wasn't completed until 2002, 50 years after what's called the forgotten war.
"We just decided if we don't do something, the Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans would not be remembered either," said Korean War Veteran Paul Kowalewski.
The names of 61people who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan were etched in the ground next to the marble stones that bear the names of Korean war vets who met the same fate.
People visiting the sacred site applaud what's been done.
"I think it's terrific. I think time shouldn't pass by before this happens," said Vietnam War Veteran Steve Scheinfeld.
"We need to remember them. We need to thank and remember them always," said Lynne Scheinfeld.
Korean War vet Bernard Serota, 78, of South Philadelphia comes here every day and is moved by the official salute to todays fallen war heroes.
"They did a nice thing. I hope they don't have to put more names on and the war's over soon and this will be last. But way it's going, it don't look too good," Serota said.
The Iraq-Afghanistan commemoration cost $4000. Fund raising to cover the cost will continue even after the Korean War Memorial Day service here Monday morning.
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