On June 6, ten new national scholarship recipients were honored at the 2018 Samsung American Legion Scholars Recognition event in Washington, D.C. The ten national scholars were selected out of 5,700 high school applicants and have each been granted a $10,000 college scholarship for their outstanding academic talent and service to their communities.

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship was established in 1996 in honor of Samsung’s appreciation for U.S. Veterans who came to Korea’s aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War. Since then, more than $6 million in scholarships has been granted to over 2,000 recipients who are descendants of U.S. Veterans.

“As Samsung embarks on our 40th year in the U.S., it’s with a profound sense of gratitude that I applaud the American Legion for their partnership and congratulate this year’s national scholars,” said David Steel, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs of Samsung Electronics North America. “We understand the sacrifices these students’ forefathers made in service — from World War II to the Korean War to the Gulf War — and are humbled by their responsibility, service, and citizenship.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 6
Scholarship recipient, Lindsay Gaines Fincher addresses the Samsung American Legion National Scholars during a recognition event at the Senate Visitors Center on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Wednesday June 6, 2018.Photos by Jared Soares, courtesy of the American Legion.

While in Washington, D.C., the ten national scholars attended a D-Day Observance at the WWII Memorial, visited the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, toured D.C.’s monuments and memorials, and received a private tour of the White House.

In addition, the students took part in a Samsung American Legion Scholars recognition ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol. Speakers included Jill Druskis, Director of The American Legion’s Americanism Division, Senator Tim Kaine , Senator Tom Carper , and David Steel of Samsung.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 6
Samsung American Legion National Scholars attend a recognition event at the Senate Visitors Center on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Wednesday June 6, 2018. Photos by Jared Soares, courtesy of the American Legion.