Korean War Legacy Foundation

10/17/2026

Today at the National Council for Geographic Education conference, Allison Cecil shared “Unlocking Geography Through National Cemeteries: Teaching Geographic Inquiry Through National Cemeteries.”

National cemeteries are places of remembrance, but they can also help students investigate how history, place, identity, and memory connect. We’re glad to see this work creating new ways for students to engage with the stories of veterans—including those who served in the Korean War.

Thank you to NCGE for the opportunity to share this work with geography educators.

10/11/2026

🇺🇸 NEW FIELD TRIP GRANT FOR K–12 EDUCATORS!

The Korean War Legacy Foundation is offering grants of up to $1,250 to help cover transportation and substitute costs for student field trips to one of the 157 VA national cemeteries across the country.

Give your students the opportunity to:
🇺🇸 Research veterans’ stories
🇺🇸 Visit their gravesites
🇺🇸 Explore service, sacrifice, and remembrance
🇺🇸 Connect classroom history with real Americans who served

📅 Field trips must be completed by May 30, 2027.
📣 Applications are NOW OPEN and reviewed on a rolling basis. Limited grants available—APPLY TODAY!
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/national-cemetery-field-trip-mini-grants/
Made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Legacy Program.

10/05/2026

NEW OPPORTUNITY: National Cemetery Field Trip Grant

The Korean War Legacy Foundation is pleased to announce a new field trip mini-grant opportunity for K–12 educators, made possible through support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Legacy Program. America’s national cemeteries are more than burial grounds—they are places of honor, remembrance, and gratitude. Each headstone represents a person, a family, and a story of service and sacrifice.

Through the KWLF National Cemetery Field Trip Mini-Grant Program, K–12 educators can receive up to $1,250 to help cover transportation and substitute teacher costs for student visits to one of the 157 national cemeteries maintained by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration.

Turn a Field Trip into a Meaningful Learning Experience

• Research the lives and service of veterans buried at the cemetery
• Help preserve veterans’ stories through the Veterans Legacy Memorial
• Visit and reflect at the gravesites of those they researched
• Explore the meaning of service, sacrifice, remembrance, and civic responsibility
• Connect classroom learning with the stories of real Americans who served our nation

Grant Highlights

• Awards of up to $1,250 per field trip
• Open to K–12 educators and administrators
• Funding may be used for eligible transportation and substitute teacher expenses
• Field trips must be completed by May 30, 2027
• A limited number of grants are available

Applications Are Now Open

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis-- APPLY TODAY. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to provide your students with a meaningful and memorable experience while helping preserve the stories of America’s veterans for future generations.

Questions? Please contact Jaime Jarvis at [email protected]

This program was made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Legacy Program.

Introduction America’s national cemeteries are more than burial grounds—they are places of honor, remembrance, and gratitude. Across the nation, rows of headstones mark the final resting places of men and women who answered the call to serve our country. Each stone represents a person, a family,...

08/19/2026

Representing the National Council for the Social Studies at the 2026 World Congress of Teachers in Cappadocia, Turkey, NCSS President Joe Schmidt delivered a keynote highlighting NCSS's mission and ongoing work. He underscored the powerful partnership between NCSS and the Korean War Legacy Foundation (KWLF), emphasizing how international cooperation enriches social studies education across borders. The event celebrated cross-cultural curriculum development and meaningful global engagement.

08/07/2026

Following the World Congress in Türkiye, the Korean War Legacy Foundation traveled to Washington, D.C. to mark the 250th Anniversary. In collaboration with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea, educators and students from Korea, the United States, and Canada came together for a dynamic two-day conference.

Throughout the event, participants explored KWLF curriculum resources and exchanged innovative strategies to help students connect with the enduring legacy and sacrifices of Korean War veterans. The conference concluded with participation in the 2026 International Conference on Veteran Affairs, an invaluable experience that broadened perspectives and reinforced a shared commitment to honoring veterans' stories and service.

08/04/2026

As the 7th World Congress of Teachers comes to a close, we reflect on an extraordinary several days of learning, collaboration, and friendship in Nevşehir, Türkiye. 🇹🇷

This remarkable gathering was made possible through the generous support of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, whose commitment to preserving the legacy of the Korean War continues to bring educators, scholars, veterans, government leaders, and students together from around the world. Through this shared commitment, participants united with a common purpose: to honor the sacrifices of the Korean War and inspire future generations through education.

From engaging presentations and meaningful discussions to the release of the Turkish curriculum book, In Pursuit of the North Star: Korean War and Türkiye, every moment reinforced the power of history to build understanding across cultures. New friendships were formed, lasting partnerships were strengthened, and countless ideas will now make their way into classrooms around the globe.

To everyone who attended, presented, organized, translated, volunteered, and supported this year’s Congress - THANK YOU! Your passion and dedication made this gathering a tremendous success.

The Congress may have ended, but the work of preserving the stories and lessons of the Korean War continues. We look forward to seeing the impact of this Congress in classrooms and communities for years to come.

Until next time!

08/03/2026

Sometimes, the most powerful moments of a conference happen completely unexpectedly.

One of our translators, Özge Poyraz, arrived at the 7th World Congress of Teachers knowing that her grandfather had served in the Korean War, but like many veterans, he rarely spoke about his experiences.

While preparing for her work with the conference, Özge began exploring the Korean War Legacy Foundation’s online archive of veteran interviews. To her amazement, she discovered an interview with her own grandfather - one she never knew existed.

For the first time, she was able to hear him tell, in his own words, about his experiences during the war. She learned stories he had never shared with his family and witnessed firsthand the courage, sacrifice, and humanity that defined his service. It was an emotional and unforgettable experience.

Moments like this remind us why preserving these oral histories matters. Our archive is more than a historical resource - it is a gift to families, educators, students, and future generations. Every interview ensures that the voices of Korean War veterans will continue to educate, inspire, and connect people around the world long after they are gone.

This is why we do what we do.

Özge Poyraz

08/03/2026

The Korean War Legacy Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to Prof. Dr. Erkan Dinç of Anadolu University and Prof. Dr. İsmail Acun of Eskişehir Osmangazi University for their extraordinary leadership as co-organizers of the 7th World Congress of Teachers and project leaders for the Turkish curriculum book, In Pursuit of the North Star: Korean War and Türkiye.

From months of planning and coordination to welcoming educators from around the world, their commitment, vision, and countless hours of work helped make this conference a tremendous success. Their efforts have strengthened international educational partnerships and created lasting resources that will help teachers preserve and share the legacy of the Korean War for years to come.

Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to history education.

08/03/2026

The 7th World Congress of Teachers concluded today’s activities with a gala dinner marking the friendship between the Republic of Korea and Türkiye.

The event was attended by Ambassador Sukjong Boo of the Republic of Korea, Governor Hüseyin Kök of Nevşehir Province, and two Turkish Korean War veterans, whose service continues to inspire educators.

A key moment featured Prof. Dr. Jongwoo Han, President of the Korean War Legacy Foundation and Shinhan Chair Professor at Yonsei University, breaking a traditional Korean onggi vessel in a symbolic gesture of unity and new beginnings, as Ambassador Boo observed. The onggi is a traditional Korean earthenware jar representing long-standing cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

The evening closed a day focused on honoring history and strengthening international partnerships that sustain the legacy of the Korean War for future generations.

08/02/2026

The Korean War Legacy Foundation was honored to welcome Governor Hüseyin Kök, Governor of Nevşehir Province, to the opening of the 7th World Congress of Teachers in Nevşehir, Türkiye.

His presence reflects the enduring friendship between Türkiye and the Republic of Korea and the shared commitment to preserving the legacy of the Korean War through education.

We sincerely thank Governor Kök for joining us and for his warm support of this important international gathering.