U.S. President Barack Obama issued a proclamation commemorating the courage and sacrifice made by the veterans of the Korean War on the 59th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Obama said the U.S. soldiers fought with immense courage during a critical point of the war, and paid his respects to those who gave their lives for their country during the Korean War.

Obama also declared July 27th as Armistice Day for Korean War veterans and requested appropriate events be held to mark the day.

An official ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C. to mark the 59th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta hosted the event, which was attended by South Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Seung-chun and South Korean Ambassador to the United States Choi Young-jin.

Eric Shinseki, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and James Winnefeld, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also participated in the ceremony along with many high-ranking officials from both countries.

The U.S. government is preparing a large-scale event for the 60th anniversary to take place next year, where the next president of the U.S. is also expected to attend.