The Watermelon Festival Committee has decided on a theme for next year's festival. It will honor Korean War Veterans.
"I think Korean War veterans have been left out of any kind of recognition," Chairman Robert Brown said. "I think it's time somebody does something for them."
The grand marshal will be decided based on the highest decorated officer or highest ranking Korean War veteran.
"War veterans, there is a bunch of folks out there," Brown said. "When we go to war today, it's not like when they served."
The Korean War lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. It was the first significant armed conflict of the Cold War.
"A lot of lives were lost when the Chinese came across the border," Brown said.
It is estimated that the United States suffered 33,686 battle deaths, along with 2,830 non-battle deaths and 8,176 missing in action during the Korean War. The war was between South Korea, supported by the United Nations and the United States, and North Korea, supported by China.
Korean War veterans don't get as much attention as WWII veterans, but now, the Watermelon Festival Committee wants to give them the recognition that they deserve. Brown said he wanted to honor the veterans and say "This is your special day."
Brown says he knows three local Korean War veterans: Ronald Reynolds, Dick Polk and Virgin Johnson. Both Polk and Johnson are also Purple Heart recipients.
"I feel sure there are a lot more out there," Brown said.
If you are a Korean War veteran, Brown wants you to write to him at 415 Hoover St., North in Hampton.
He wants you to send him your name, dates of service, rank, branch of service and any decorations you received so the committee can start building a list of all the Korean War veterans in Hampton County.
The Watermelon Festival committee also considered honoring "King Melon," which would honor the watermelon farmers; Emergency Medical Services, and law enforcement in Hampton County.
The dates for the next festival have been set for June 16-24, 2012.