UNMCK - UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

Hello. My name is Yoon Ji Choi, and I am currently a high school student in South Korea. I would like to thank you sincerely for your help. The tragedy of Korean War started in June 25, 1950. Apart from the United States, the first countries to promise military support among UN member states were the British Commonwealth countries, which included your country – New Zealand. New Zealand sent us around 5300 soldiers over three years when the total population of the country was about 2 million. Unfortunately, 45 New Zealanders lost their lives and 79 were wounded in a distant country in the war. I wish to express my condolence on every deaths. Thank you and sorry. It will never be enough to express our deep gratitude and respect to all of the war veterans. We honour your contribution from the bottom of our heart as we are aware of how difficult your time in Korea would have been. Also thank you very much for remaining in South Korea even after the war and helping us to repair the damage. Without your favour, it would have been impossible for Korea to overcome the ravages of the war so quickly and achieve so-called “Miracle on the Han River.” Korea is now among the top countries for semiconductor, IT, and shipbuilding industry in the world; 18th place in world’s HDI (Human Development Index) ranking; 12th place in world’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ranking; and sixth place among the world’s top exporters ranking. This is a significant development compared to per capita income of 67 dollars when the guns fell silent on July 27, 1953. Of course, we still face some troubles: recently, we had a lot of political unrest in specific. News keep talking about President Park, continued missile tests of North Korea, and more. Yet, we are able to join efforts and deal with our problems. I think the impeachment of President Park is a clear example for my statement. I hope that we will soon figure out a way for a peaceful relationship with North Korea. I remember hearing a news about the official closure of NZ Korean Veterans Association in the beginning of March. It said that, with less than 500 war veterans over the age of eighty, the association decided to gather one last time for the final parade in Auckland. Although being aware that we cannot avoid the natural flow of time, I was sad to hear that the association disappeared in the mists of history after 61 years of existence; however, I can firmly assure you that our remembrance will last forever in the history. We will continue to thank, pay attention, and support all of you. Living a distant life from wars, I cannot fully imagine the hardship you went through. Still, I have no wonder how big your sacrifice was. Once again, thank you very much for helping us. As a student, I will always work to bring peace in our future. Yours faithfully, Yoon Ji Choi