Cheney attends ceremony marking anniversary of Korean War armis

ARLINGTON, Va. -- In a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, Vice President Dick Cheney on Saturday laid a wreath of red, white and blue flowers at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Retired Marine Gen. Raymond G. Davis, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the 1950-53 war, helped Cheney place the wreath at the tomb as hundreds of veterans and their loved ones watched in silence. Cheney did not speak.

Veterans later gathered nearby at the cemetery's amphitheater for a memorial ceremony honoring the war dead and missing.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi lauded members of the military, both past and present, for their sacrifices.

And for those who fought in Korea, Principi said, "The Korean war stands out as a lesson in endurance, bravery and devotion."

The war ended with the armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Koreas divided and technically in a state of war. It was signed on July 27, 1953.

More than 36,000 Americans were killed in the war.