2004 Colby Award Winner Major Robert L. Bateman to Keynote Forest Lawn Veterans Day Celebration.

LOS ANGELES -- A Book Signing with the Noted Author of ``No Gun Ri: A Military History of the Korean War Incident'' Will Be Held Immediately Following the Celebration at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills

Major Robert L. Bateman, 2004 Colby Award winner who was recently featured on C-SPAN, will keynote the annual Forest Lawn Veterans Day Celebration at its Hollywood Hills Memorial-Park November 11, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. The recent C-SPAN debate featuring Major Bateman included Associated Press correspondent Charles Hanley, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Bridge at No Gun Ri: A Hidden Nightmare from the Korean War."

Major Bateman's book, based on a long investigation, personal research, and interviews, refutes controversial reports of the events of July 1950, the first month of the Korean War, which took place near the village of No Gun Ri. U.S. soldiers opened fire on a group of civilians gathered under a railroad bridge, allegedly killing anywhere between 50 and 350 civilians. In the past 50 years, debate has continued over what really happened.

Compelled by suspected inaccuracies in an Associated Press (AP) story, Major Bateman presents an alternate perspective based on accounts from the soldiers and their commanders who were present at the incident, as well as on extensive documentation from previously overlooked sources. In his book, Major Bateman attempts to debunk the AP's allusion to a widespread massacre of civilians by U.S. forces at No Gun Ri and to show how veterans who allegedly witnessed this event and influenced others were not present.

"Forest Lawn is excited to bring a person of Major Bateman's caliber to the Los Angeles community," said John Warren, senior vice president, marketing for Forest Lawn. "The depth of his personal experience and the breadth of the research he has undertaken as an author will help us all gain a better understanding of the importance of remembering our military history and of keeping the memory of those who served alive."

The program, A Time To Remember, will give all Southern Californians an opportunity to celebrate and honor the men and women of the United States' Armed Forces for their dedication to American values. In addition to Major Bateman, members of the Korean Veterans Association, Western Region will present. World War II Veteran and KTLA-TV anchor Stan Chambers will serve as emcee for the celebration.

Major Bateman was presented with the Colby Award at the 2004 Colby Military Writers' Symposium at Norwich University in April of this year. Named for the late Ambassador and CIA Director William E. Colby, the Colby Award recognizes a first work of fiction or non-fiction that makes a significant contribution to the public's understanding of intelligence operations, military history or international affairs. He served as an officer with the 7th Cavalry Regiment, was an associate professor of history at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. Major Bateman edited "Digital War: A View from the Front Lines" and has authored over thirty articles and essays published in scholarly and professional journals. He will be available after the event for book signing.

About Forest Lawn

Forest Lawn is the community resource where families and friends turn to celebrate life -- from weddings and baptisms to funerals and family history. Founded in 1906, Forest Lawn serves Southern California through its six locations -- Glendale, Hollywood Hills, Cypress, Covina Hills, Long Beach, and Claremont -- with 1250 acres, only 750 of which are developed. Forest Lawn originated the memorial-park concept that eliminated upright tombstones in favor of sweeping vistas and lawns. In addition, Forest Lawn opened the first mortuary on dedicated cemetery grounds.

Forest Lawn offers a wide range of products and services including funeral planning and packages, funeral insurance, memorial property, flowers, and cremation and mortuary services. Forest Lawn is known for its pristine and serene environments interspersed with outstanding art collections. Artworks of particular note include an exceptional collection of original American bronze statuary, stained glass from the 13th Century, the largest permanently mounted religious painting in the world, and mosaics celebrating American history.

Forest Lawn regularly hosts a variety of cultural and civic programs as part of its commitment to providing Southern California residents with educational and cultural events that celebrate meaningful moments in life from around the world. For information, visit www.forestlawn.com or call 1-800-204-3131.