By It is good to see that the Korean government is getting something organized in honor of the upcoming 60th Anniversary of the Korean War:
President Lee Myung-bak will send a letter of appreciation to 100,000 foreign Korea War veterans next year on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the fratricidal war.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said Monday that the letter would also be sent to 240,000 veterans here.
The plan is part of events to commemorate the war and give thanks to those who participated and sacrificed during the conflict, the ministry said in its 2010 policy report to President Lee Myung-bak.
Lee’s letter will be sent to Korean War veterans’ associations of the 21 participating nations, the report said.
In addition, a “Thank You” poster will be drawn up and used in publicizing South Korea’s appreciation of war veterans overseas, it said.
“Peace, prosperity and liberties that we cherish today are built on your selfless sacrifices and contributions,” a draft poster for overseas promotion says. “Korea is forever indebted and we will continue to build the trust and friendship between our nations.”
Earlier this year, the ministry outlined a host of events and ceremonies to mark next year’s war anniversary.
Key programs include the invitation of 2,400 Korean War veterans and their families. [Korea Times]
A few months back I posted an article recommending ideas on how to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and hopefully some of these ideas were looked at.
I have always felt that Korean War veterans have never gotten their due recognition like their World War II counterparts because the controversy over the No Gun Ri Incident that has put a stain on these veterans. Instead of veterans being remembered for their service during the war, they were instead forced to defend themselves from accusations of being war criminals. To make matters worse the sensationalized Charles Hanley hit piece was released when the world’s attention was focused on Korea for the 50th anniverary of the Korean War ruining what was supposed to be a real commemoration of these veterans’ service.
So I think these veterans are long over due for a real commemoration of their service and hopefully the Lee Myung-bak government carries through with a robust plan to do so.
6:28 am on December 14th, 2009 1
Even during the Kim Daejung era, the 50th anniversary of the Korean War was a huge deal. There was a huge ceremony at the War Memorial that included current (and I think past) presidents and other important dignitaries, flyovers. My home was just a few hundred yards north of Camp Coiner at the time, and I could see and of course hear the flyovers.
For South Koreans, things like Nogun-ri and other stuff have been part of the landscape in terms of national narratives, so the "new" article on the old subject wasn't a game changer.
What I'd like to do is get involved with some veterans groups and show them around the peninsula when they travel to South Korea for visits. At LAX one year, I met such a group traveling from Dallas on Korean Air and had some interesting talks with them. I have great admiration for those who fought in the Korean War. To them and especially those who died, South Korea owes a debt that could never be repaid.
10:55 am on December 14th, 2009 2
Coolness. My dad was in an Air Force rear echelon unit during part of the war. Maybe I'll write to President Lee and ask him to send my dad one of these letters.
And where's a bigger image of that poster?
11:21 am on December 14th, 2009 3
With Firefox just right click and hit view image and you will be able to get a version of the poster in a larger size that is zoomable.
11:52 am on December 14th, 2009 4
Good to see that 'all' those who fought for a free and democratic Korea are being honored. South Koreas success in the world have made many who participated proud that the effort was worth it.
12:37 am on December 15th, 2009 5
Yes, koreans owe a lot to those men and women from foreign nations whose sacrifice has allowed them to prosper, unlike those in the North.