옛공고 2026 메모리얼 데이 행사후기

 

 

2026년 5월 25일 오후 2시에 Exeter Korean War Memorial에서 메모리얼 데이 추모식이 열렸습니다.  이날 행사에는 한인회 회원분들과 참전 용사분들의 가족과 친지분들이 다수 참석하셨습니다.  참전용사 대표  Commander Richard Mende님과 윤광옥 회장님께서 함께 기념비에 헌화를 하였습니다.  

 

올해는 한국전쟁이 발생한 지 76년이 되는 해입니다. 모두가 경건한 마음으로 묵념하며 전장에서 돌아가신 참전용사분들의 헌신적인 업적과 숭고한 희생을 마음에 되새기며 호국영령들의 명복을 빌었습니다. 

 

이날 예식에서는 로드아일랜드 한인회에서 참전용사 대표 Richard Mende의 업적과 봉사를 기리는 프래그를 전달하는 식이 있었습니다.   조봉섭 운영회 의원이 Commander Richard Mende의 경력을 소개하고 윤광옥 회장님이 프래그를 Commander Richard Mende님께 전달하였습니다.  Commander Mende 는 1952-1954년에 한국전에 참가하셨고 돌아오셔서는 참전 용사분들의 활동에 봉사하고 계십니다. 또한 로드아일랜드 한인회와도 함께 활동 해 오셨습니다.  아래  Commander Richard Mende님의 딸 Nancy께서 준비한 Bio를 참고해 주시기 바랍니다.    

 

추모식 후에는 Warwick에 있는 Hibachi Restaurant에서 모두 모여 점심 식사를 하며 덕담을 나누었습니다. 

 

 

Commander Richard Mende Bio

 

 

Richard Mende was the second oldest of four boys raised in Providence during the Great Depression, a time when most families had very little. Despite the hardships of those years, Richard developed a lifelong passion for athletics, especially gymnastics. He became a dedicated member of the Providence Turners Club, an organization founded on the German principle of “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” For more than 30 years, Rich worked there as a gymnastics coach, helping to mentor young athletes while building lasting friendships. It was also at the Turners Club that he met his future wife, Patty.

 

During the Korean War, Rich was drafted into military service. When his brother Bob learned of the draft, he immediately enlisted, determined not to let his brother serve alone. Rich has always looked back on his military service with pride and strongly believes in the value and positive impact of serving one’s country.

 

After returning home from Korea, Rich took advantage of the GI Bill to earn his bachelor’s degree from Bryant University, then known as Bryant College. He first worked in banking before beginning a distinguished career with school ring manufacturer Dieges & Clust, now part of Herff Jones. Over more than 40 years with the company, Rich worked in accounting, purchasing, and customer service. He especially valued his relationships with the staff and students at the nation’s military academies.

 

To those who know him best, Rich is remembered first and foremost as a faithful and loving husband to his beloved wife, Patty, for more than 60 years. He misses her deeply. Rich remains devoted to his family and stays closely connected to his four daughters, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three brothers.

 

At a stage of life when many seniors choose maintenance-free living, Rich continues to take pride in caring for the home he and his brother Bob built together more than 60 years ago. He enjoys working outdoors, tending the yard, tackling projects, and keeping busy around the house.

 

Rich is known for his honesty, discipline, and lifelong commitment to health and fitness. He has exercised faithfully throughout his life and still begins each morning with daily calisthenics. Family and friends also know him as practical, frugal, and dependable. A devoted practicing Catholic, his faith has always been an important part of his life.

 

Following retirement, Rich became active in the Korean War Veterans Association, where he valued the camaraderie and friendships of fellow veterans. He also developed meaningful relationships with many Korean Americans who deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by American soldiers during the Korean War.

 

In addition to his lifelong commitments to family, faith, and service, Rich dedicated himself to charitable causes. For more than 25 years, he participated in the MS 150 fundraiser, riding 150 miles by bicycle to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis research and support programs.