Lynn veteran remembers Forgotten War: City salutes Smith, 92, and his comrades

LYNN — Mayor Jared Nicholson proclaimed July 25, 2024 as Korean War Memorial Day at a ceremony hosted by the Department of Veterans Services at City Hall.

Often called the Forgotten War due to it being overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War, the Korean War started on June 25, 1950, when the North Korean military stormed across the 38th parallel, invading South Korea.

“Lynn is proud of the sacrifices made by those in our city who served with bravery and distinction in the Korean War, and most especially, the men whose names are listed on the Lynn Korean War Veterans Memorial,” Nicholson said in his proclamation.

On July 27, 1953, an armistice was signed, ending organized combat operations and leaving the Korean Peninsula divided.

Veterans Services Director Mike Sweeney emceed the ceremony and held a moment of silence for the 33 men from Lynn who died in the war.

Korean War veteran James “Jim” Smith sang along to the national anthem and spoke on his time during and after the war following the ceremony.

Smith was stationed in France for 17 months from 1952 to 1954, serving as a private in the U.S. Army.

Due to his poor eyesight, Smith was kept away from battle, spending the majority of his deployment unloading supplies and moving machinery from trucks and trains.

Smith joked that he has been called “little Schwarzenegger” due to his short stature and ability to life large amounts.

He said that he actually enjoyed most of his time in France, and when he came home, he was always involved with his fellow veterans.

“I just wish there was world peace,” Smith said. “I don’t want any more wars, I’m tired of this killing, unnecessary killing.”

Smith was twice the commander of the Disabled Veterans Post 240.

“(Smith) gave his life when he came back to be involved with everything pertaining to the service and different ways in that direction,” Marie Smith, Jim Smith’s wife, said.

Marie Smith looked back on her first meeting with Jim Smith, saying that they were both at a single, separating, or divorced event in Saugus about 41 years ago.

While there, Marie Smith saw Jim Smith from across the room and thought he had gone to school with her.

“So we go over and I’m waving to (Jim Smith) and he’s waving back, and he’s looking around thinking, ‘Who’s waving to me? I don’t know her.’ I go over and pat him on the shoulder, and say, ‘Remember me?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so, how old are you?’ I said, ‘I’m 41.’ He said, ‘I’m 51.’ I said, ‘Oh! I never went to school with you,’” Marie Smith recalled.

Marie Smith’s friend invited Jim Smith to come join them and at the end of the night, he asked for her phone number. Marie Smith said no.

“I said, ‘I’ll just see you around.’ He ran over and stopped the car with his hands and said again, ‘Can I have your phone number?’ I said, ‘No, see you later,’” Marie Smith said.

The two ended up meeting again, after Jim Smith called Marie Smith’s friend and asked where he could stumble upon them.

Marie Smith finally agreed to let Jim Smith take her to dinner, and the rest is history.

Marie Smith has five children, all girls, and Jim Smith has 14 children.

“He’s got his own army,” Marie Smith joked.

Jim Smith has been singing for 40 years in Lynn. Although age has slowed him down — he’s now 92 — he still sings and participates in veterans’ events when he can.

“He came back home, and he’s still singing. He’s got a beautiful voice,” Marie Smith said.

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