Celebrate our Korean War Veterans at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation’s Second Annual Honors Banquet!
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation is proud to announce our second annual Honors Banquet on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The Foundation’s Honors Banquet recognizes U.S. Honorees and Supporters who have made contributions to supporting Korean War Veterans and their Families.
The gala event will bring together people from all walks of life for an unforgettable evening of friendship, meaning engagements, and exciting entertainment!
We will start with a reception at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Attire is formal or business suits.
TICKETS –
Individual Tickets are $300.00.
To purchase a table for your company or organization, please contact Mr. Larry Hencshel (VP for Development) at larryh@kwvmf.org.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETSDeadline to purchase tickets is April 13, 2026.
VENUE –
Grand Hyatt Washington, D.C. Hotel – Website
1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Transportation and Parking – details.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES –
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Mr. Larry Hencshel (VP for Development) at larryh@kwvmf.org.
If you would like to advertise in the Honors Banquet Program, please contact Mr. Nathan Walton (Executive Assistant) to coordinate and for any questions at nwalton@kwvmf.org.
Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation Honorees
2026 Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation Honors recognizes and celebrates the contributions of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service, either as 1) Korean War Veterans or 2) Supporters of these Veterans and their Families. Nominees should exemplify the spirit of selflessness and commitment that defines the Korean War Veterans community. This is an opportunity to highlight their significant actions and to inspire others through their exemplary deeds.
U.S. Veteran Honoree
CAPT Royce Williams
Captain Royce Williams represents the very best of the Korean War generation — men and women who answered the call to serve without hesitation, carried out their duties under extreme conditions, and did so without expectation of recognition. His story reflects the core values of selfless service, sacrifice, and quiet professionalism that define Korean War Veterans and continue to inspire future generations. He carried the weight of one of the most extraordinary combat actions in U.S. naval history without public acknowledgment, honoring his orders and placing national security above personal recognition. This extended silence reflects a different kind of sacrifice — one not measured in immediate danger, but in a lifetime of humility and restraint.
In many ways, Williams’ life brings the Memorial to life. The statues, inscriptions, and Wall of Remembrance reflect not only collective sacrifice, but also individual stories of courage and service — stories like his. His journey from quiet service to long-overdue recognition mirrors the broader effort to ensure that the Korean War and its Veterans receive the honor they deserve.
U.S. Veteran Honoree
COL Robert de Marcellus
During and after his service on the Korean battlefield, COL Robert X. de Marcellus exemplified the best characteristics of leadership and selfless service, displaying an unerring sense of duty, an iron self-discipline, and unbounded commitment to those under his care. His example inspires all of those he encounters, whether in the military, the private sector, his family, or others he encounters.
COL de Marcellus has been a frequent visitor to Korean War Veterans Memorial, from its first opening to the dedication of Memorial’s Wall of Remembrance and numerous Memorial Days and Veterans Days, and as the featured speaker at the Veterans’ Day, 2025, ceremony. His moving remarks recalled the memory of his friend, Lieutenant Al Lauder, as an example of the human cost of the Korean War borne by its veterans and their families, multiplied by all those who gave their lives. He highlighted what that sacrifice has achieved and how the Korean people since the war have built from it a vibrant economy and democracy grounded in freedom.
Over his entire life, from the battlefields of Korea to the present, COL de Marcellus has lived the epitome of the spirit of Korean War Veterans displaying constant inspirational self-sacrifice.
U.S. Supporter Honoree
Yumi Hogan
Yumi Hogan exemplifies the spirit of selfless service and enduring commitment to honoring Korean War Veterans through both her personal journey and her public leadership. As a Korean American who immigrated to the United States, Mrs. Hogan has long expressed deep gratitude to those who fought to defend the Republic of Korea. She has often reflected that without the sacrifices of Korean War Veterans, “Korea would not be the country it is today,” and her life in the United States would not have been possible. This personal connection has shaped her unwavering dedication to ensuring that the legacy of these Veterans is remembered, honored, and passed on to future generations.
Yumi Hogan’s example inspires others by showing how personal gratitude can be transformed into meaningful action. Her life story—shaped by the very freedom secured by Korean War Veterans—serves as a powerful reminder of the war’s lasting impact. Through her leadership, advocacy, and generosity, she encourages individuals and communities alike to recognize their shared responsibility in preserving the legacy of those who served. In doing so, she embodies the very spirit of service, remembrance, and inspiration that defines the mission of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation.
U.S. Supporter Honoree
Hyo Jae (Rami) Hyun
Rami embodies the spirit of selfless support for Korean War Veterans through his unwavering commitment to remembrance, dignity, and historical preservation. His work is not motivated by recognition or financial gain, but by a deep sense of responsibility to honor those who sacrificed their youth—and often their bodies—for a war that has too often been described as “forgotten.” Through Project Soldier, Rami personally seeks out Korean War Veterans across the globe.
Rami’s example inspires others to recognize the humanity behind military service and the importance of preserving living history. His work aligns deeply with the mission of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation: to honor service, preserve legacy, and ensure that future generations remember the sacrifices made for freedom. Through quiet dedication and extraordinary compassion, Rami has given Korean War Veterans something priceless—the assurance that they are remembered.
