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Paying Tribute

People all over the world, who love peace and freedom, may pay tribute and give thanks for the sacrifice made by the fallen.

Tributary Message

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untie a knot

  • WriterLEE, S. J.
  • Date2007-05-14 17:25:50
  • Count2321


This morning, I had visitants of an american couple who came here
to pay a tribute to his elder brother killed in 1952 during the Korean War.
We confirmed that his brother's name has been engraved on the Wall
of Remembrance at the UNMCK.

According to him, he volunteered military service in order to revenge
the enemy who took his brother's life and joined the UN Forces in Korea
in 1954 overcoming his parent's opposition and served in Korea as a
military trainer for more than a year. For some while, he had been truthful
to his code of revenging. Along with time passage, however, this kind of
feeling was relented, while negative image on North Korea has never been
mitigated.

He revisited Korea for the first time in 53 years since then and this time
he was so moved at the scene of superb developement of Korea
compared to the Korea he knew of. Furthermore, it was a dazzling moment
for him to confirm his brother's name on the Wall of Remembrance as if he
had met his brother in reality.

Mr. Altemus and his wife thanked very much to the Korean people and
the Government of Korea for taking good care of the War victiims saying
that his brother in the haven would surely thank the Korean people and
the Government of Korea.

He showed me the rubbed copy of his brother's name appeared
in the Wall of Remembrance at the UNMCK and said that he would
keep it at home in a nice framework. Instantly I decided to give him
a small specimen of souvenir made of authentic piece of Indian black
stone used for the Wall of Remembrance, though it is not a complete one
yet. I saw him tears in his eyes irresistably coming out.

Finally, he told me that now he is relieved from the old feelings of anguishes and grudges toward the unknown enmity, which he has carried on with him for long time and added that he would bring home the love of and the gratitude toward the Korean people. He said that he would feel like a peaceful life until the end of his life on this earth.

A day like today makes me encouraged and forget all the agonies around
me and fatigue. It is me to thank Mr. Altemus and Mrs for that.
Once again I thank you, Mr. Altemus and Mrs. for your visit today
and I wish you may have a good time during your stay in Korea.

The Custodian of the UNMCK