Mar/Apr 2013 - Korean War Veterans Association

Friendship
Captain Yang, Yong Mo, South Korean Naval Attaché
to Hawaii
that made Korea as it is today.
“The United States helped Korea win
independence after 36 years of Japanese
rule.
“It helped establish the Republic of
Korea. It rescued Korea during the
Korean War.
“And even after that, it ensured the
security of Korea by stationing millions
of troops.
“Based on such support, Korea could
achieve remarkable economic growth.
The history of Korea is the history of the
Korea-US alliance. The Korean government
and people have never ever forgotten
the sacrifice and dedication of the
U.S. government and American citizens,
and you the veterans.”
Shineski echoed the Minister’s
theme:
“There is a special
trust and friendship
between Korea and
the United States
because so many of
our young fought
side by side six
decades ago. And
Korea’s many
Erik K. Shineski offers
remarks at Punchbowl
thoughtful remembrances
since, like
this one, demonstrate
the strength of our
alliance today. Now,
as then, Kap shi Ka
Members of Korean War Veterans of Hawaii
psi da! We go together.”
He added:
“Today, on this hallowed ground, we
recommit ourselves to remember, with
deep respect and gratitude, what the
Korean people have never forgotten. The
guarantors of the democracy that is,
today, the prosperous Republic of Korea,
were the young, who, six decades ago,
fought magnificently, many giving their
lives to preserve freedom on
a distant, war-torn peninsula.”
Young-kil Suh continued
the thread:
“We are gathered here
today to pay respect to the
heroes of the Korean War.
Sixty years ago, you received
a call to defend the freedom
and democracy of a country
you never knew and a people
you never met.
“We Koreans remember
your courage and sacrifice.
During the war, we were
devastated by the brutal
attack of communists. We
were driven to the Busan
Perimeter in [the] southern
tip of the Korean Peninsula,
Continued on page 79
Military representatives present
wreath at Punchbowl
The Korean War commemorative stone
A salute to the Punchbowl stone donated by the South Korean
government
77
The Graybeards March - April 2013