The Korean War – sometimes called “the forgotten war” – is too often a complete mystery to Washington students, who know little to nothing about the events that took place on the other side of the world nearly 65 years ago.

But you have a chance to help students learn more about the Korean War by attending a “Korea 65” fundraiser hosted by Legacy Washington this Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Legacy Washington – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – is holding the event at the Clarion Hotel, 6802 Tacoma Mall Blvd. in Tacoma.

Washington State Representative Cindy Ryu, who was born in Seoul just a few years after the Korean War ended, will welcome attendees at the start of the program. Other elected officials, Korean community leaders, former Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, Deputy Secretary of State Greg Lane and General Park Nam Pyo of the Republic of Korea will also be on hand. Funds raised will help develop “Korea 65” lessons plans for classrooms that will focus on 13 Washingtonians who share their personal experiences in Korea and how their lives were changed forever during or after the Korean War.

The fundraiser comes just weeks before Legacy Washington launches its new “Korea 65” exhibit about the Korean War, which began in 1950 and ended with an Armistice in 1953. It features the aforementioned Washingtonians impacted by the war. The exhibit’s official launch event is Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. in the State Reception Room on the third floor of the Capitol Building in Olympia, and all are welcome to attend the free event.