"Your lives hold lessons for us today," Obama told the crowd. "Here in America, no war should ever be forgotten. No veteran should ever be overlooked."

Korea is regarded by many as a "tie" -- because neither side was able to claim victory -- but Obama reassured veterans in attendance their efforts were not in vain, USA Today reported.

"That war was no tie -- Korea was a victory."

Obama pointed to the 50 million South Koreans who live in a free society today, "in stark contrast to the repression and poverty of the north, that is a victory, and that is your legacy."