U.S. President Barack Obama has declared Monday, July 27th, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.

The White House released the proclamation Saturday, a day before the anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending the Korean War in 1953.

Obama urged all Americans to observe the day with ceremonies honoring and giving thanks to distinguished Korean War veterans.

He also asked federal departments, organizations and individuals to fly the flag at half-staff in memory of fallen soldiers.

More than 600-thousand U.S. and allied combatants lost their lives in Korea during the three-year war.

Obama said the dedicated servicemen and women who fought to secure freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula deserve unending respect and gratitude from the American people.

Earlier this week, the Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill to have July 27th marked by Americans with flags flying at half staff.