The Graybeards - KWVA - Korean War Veterans Association

C. Forbes, Inc
The Making of Memories
Korean War Article
The package contained a custom made medallion to be presented
by the President of the United States in a Rose Garden ceremony.
A few phone calls assured that it had indeed been sent out
on time. But the shipper erroneously sent the package by standard
delivery rather than overnight; the morning of the ceremony, the
medallions were on a truck somewhere in the Midwest.
The client, a member of the Secret Service, had given up. But
Chip Forbes, president of C. Forbes, Inc., was just getting started.
Feverishly working the phones, Forbes convinced the manufacturer
to strike a replacement medallion in record time.
After talking to several airlines, Forbes booked flights through
Green Bay, WI and Chicago, IL, even talking to the airline baggage
carrier as he retrieved the package and raced to catch the
connecting flight. The Secret Service picked up the package at
Reagan National in time for the scheduled presentation.
Just another day for C. Forbes, Inc., which has emerged as a
leader in providing gift, award, and commemorative services for
government and military offices.
An Eyewitness to History
Through what Forbes describes as a fortunate path, his company
has enjoyed the opportunity to assist in commemorating a
number of historical events. C. Forbes, Inc. has provided commemorative
services for the 50th Anniversary of the Central
Intelligence Agency, the 50th Anniversary of NATO, and the
Army War College Centennial, among others.
Yet Forbes considers his work with the 50th Anniversary of the
Korean War to be among his most treasured memories. Forbes
was particularly moved by Secretary of Defense William S.
Cohen’s speech during the 50th Anniversary Ceremony in
Washington last June. In the blistering summer sun, Sec. Cohen
paid tribute to the veterans of a war that has been too little remembered.
“I can remember Sec. Cohen saying, ‘We must never forget
this conflict and the price paid by the soldiers who fought and
served in the war.’ It was a very eloquent and moving tribute,”
said Forbes.
The 50th Anniversary of the Korean War
The program created by C. Forbes, Inc., in association with the
50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemorative
Committee, echoes Sec. Cohen’s sentiments. Items were selected
for their ability to breathe life into the memories
of those touched by the Korean War.
“When I do things like this,” notes
Forbes, “I think about the significance of the
program, the people involved, and how
much recognition of the event means to
those who are a part of the piece. I always
strive to find something of high quality that
people can put their arms around and hold,
and remember a piece of history.”
Thus, the program includes hand-sculpted
coins and medallions, which historically
have been used to honor and recognize
American soldiers, a tradition that continues to this day. Each coin
and medallion bears the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War seal
on one side, and a strikingly detailed depiction of a American
solider on the other side. Each piece carries the fabled words
“Freedom is not free.”
Forbes expressed enthusiasm in particular for two pieces – a
replica of the pen used by General Mark W. Clark in signing the
Armistice Agreement, and a framed portrait design of the Korean
War Memorial.
Creating the commemorative Parker pen was quite a challenge
for C. Forbes, Inc. “So many things had to be pulled together,”
mused Forbes, citing the re-creation of the Parker pen (the original
is no longer sold), the design of a custom cherry wood box,
and even Gen. Clark’s signature. “We had to go to the National
Archives to obtain a copy of the General’s signature from the
original document he signed.”
The idea for the framed photograph collection sprung from a
meeting Forbes had with the official photographer of the Korean
War Memorial. Encased in a cherry wood shadow box, the piece
includes a historical text, two mounted 50th Anniversary of the
Korean War Commemorative Coins, and two spectacular scenes
at the Memorial.
Forbes credits the photography for creating a truly memorable
item. “More than any other picture, the panoramic photos captured
the feel and look of the Memorial.” Forbes notes with interest
that most veterans have been drawn to the snow scene,
remembering how cold it was in Korea.
With offices in Virginia and North Carolina, the C.Forbes, Inc.
enterprise provides extensive services for both public and private
clients, but Forbes prefers the opportunity to work on projects like
the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. Forbes particularly cherishes
his meetings with Korean War veterans and their loved ones.
At the opening ceremony in June, Forbes met a number of
children and grandchildren of veterans. “I remember two little
girls, about nine years old, whose grandfather had recently passed
away. He had proudly served in the Korean War, and the girls purchased
two lapel pins in memory of their ‘Paw-paw.’ It was a
moment I will not forget.”
(See C. Forbes advertisement on page 41—Editor.)
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The Graybeards