Veterans and spectators bowed their heads in silence Sunday and some were brought to tears as Korean War survivors gathered at the veterans ceremony at Rockland Community College told a brief history of the 27 Rockland County soldiers who died during that conflict.

Many were moved as they caught a brief glimpse of what the servicemen had gone through.

Master Sergeant Louis Caputo, who was wounded and taken prisoner while fighting the enemy in North Korea, died of his wounds on Dec. 31, 1950. While his remains were never recovered, the Eagle Chapter reflected on his and the 26 others' heroism, with words that filled the speaker and the group with sadness.

"I am not a hero," said winner of a Purple Heart and former President of the Korean War Veterans Eagle Chapter Albert Viotto of Stony Point. "The guys who didn't come back are the heroes."

Viotto was drafted at a young age and was in the service for two years. He claimed to be one of the lucky ones who were sent home after a few months on the front lines.

The monument in Onderdonk Cemetery at Rockland Community College that lists the 27 war casualties reads, "They gave their today for our tomorrow." Many feel that these words accurately captured the significance of the ceremony on the war's 60^th anniversary.

Despite the dark clouds above and the ensuing downpour, many stayed to pay homage to those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom.

Also present at the ceremony were local and state dignitaries as well as a female a cappella group that brought life to the rainy day of remembrance.

The war between North and South Korea began on June 25, 1950, as a civil war, later drawing the United Nations -  and the United States - into the mix. Three years after it's beginning, an armistice was signed.

About 2.5 million North and South Koreans along with over 1 million solders were killed with no definite victor. More than 54,000 Americans were killed in action, 100,000 more were involved in the conflict, and 8,000 are still missing in action.

Proclaiming July 25 "Korean War Veteran of Rockland County Day," Ramapo Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence said, "We must be mindful of the cost of freedom and the valor, dignity, and courage of our men and women in uniform."

"Some of these young 17 and 18 year-old men gave up their chances to have a family and a wonderful life to the serve this nation," St. Lawrence said. "That ultimate sacrifice is something that makes our freedoms dear to all of us today."

Many felt that the ceremony signified all wars up until the present day. St. Lawrence referenced 21-year-old Steve Vahaviolos of Airmont who lost his life in the Iraq war in 2006.

"Those graves [at Onderdonk] are individual monuments that signify what they have given to us," he said.

John Vasser who spent 14 months in combat in Korea and was a recipient of a Purple Heart Award provided the placement of the wreath.