As I embark on a possible life-changing journey in Korea, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War was remembered today by American, South Korean, and perhaps even North Korean war veterans and the the many lives that have been touched by this event. Known and labeled as the "forgotten war" because the United States never actually declared war but assisted the South Koreans against the communist revolt by the North Koreans, recognition was never formally made to the soldiers, living and deceased, who fought. Compared to World War II and the Vietnam War, the Korean War was treated as if soldiers deployed into Korea were policing the state and not engaged in warfare.
Just imagine...at one point, South Korea at its zenith during the Korean War amassed territory that included Pyongyang. Pyongyang, the present capital of North Korea, is way the hell up North that one can only speculate what that region might have looked if it were under South Korea today.
And now--60 years later--South Korea is still calling the abundance of troops to secure and foster Korea's future generations. This time, in the form of educators and stewards, Korea is becoming a stronger nation with education and knowledge and the formal bridging of cultures through mutual understanding, acceptance, and language. I hope to do the job as strong and dedicated as the soldiers who fought to ensure that Korea's current generation has a bright future, and I appreciate that without the current state of South Korea, I wouldn't be in this fortunate position to teach in Korea.
My father just returned from Seoul on an invitation from the government as a thank you for helping in the war. My father is a Korean war veteran and the governement invited vets back on all expenses paid week touring Seoul and the DMZ.
ReplyDelete