UNMCK - UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

To the Unknown Soldiers, Hi! My name is Joon. I am 18 years old, and I’m from Republic of Korea. I have a high interest in history. When students study about Korean history, the Korean War has always been a hot topic. During the 1950s, our country was at a perilous state. We just achieved independence from Japan. The country lacked the necessary infrastructures for the country to develop. To make the matters worse, at a critical period, North Korea invaded South Korea, once more damaging the nation. However, we learned about the United Nations Forces that fought with South Korea to preserve democracy and freedom of the Koreans. We learned that UN Forces have made heavy sacrifices for the future of our country. For us, the United Nations was like a strong ally who tried to bring back peace to our nation. For this, I send my deep appreciation to the countries that sent their young men to rescue the liberty of South Korea. Recently, I hiked the Bulgok Mountain for five days. At the Bulgok Mountain, there is a commemorative monument for soldiers who fought for South Korea during the Korean War. I was glad that the corpses of soldiers were found. However, whenever I think of soldiers still buried under the ground, I feel bitterness. About 42,769 soldiers who fought in the Korean War are missing in action. In addition to these soldiers, there are soldiers whose remains have been discovered but classified as “Unknown Soldier” due to failure of identification. This is very appalling for me because it means that many soldiers who sacrificed for the liberty of the Korean Peninsula have not returned to their families. It is a domestic and a national tragedy. I strongly hope that the lost ones return to their families as soon as possible. I believe the government should try harder to reclaim the lost ones and plan a proper treatment for the soldiers who sacrificed during the Korean War. Currently, the international situation of the Korean Peninsula is at stake. North Korea is commencing unlawful nuclear bomb tests; the President of the United States is threatening to make a military action if the nuclear tests will continue on. Many nations are frustrated that there might be a second Korean War. Whenever I think of the sufferings our people and dear soldiers experienced, I believe that such tragedy should not be repeated. I will do my best to prevent the calamitous, fratricidal conflict between the Two Koreas and strive to realize unification of these two countries, bringing peace once and for all. I hope the undiscovered and unknown soldiers find peace even after their death. I wish the undiscovered are soon to be found, and unknown to be identified as soon as possible. Again, I praise for their courage they have shown during the war, and I show my utmost gratitude for the sacrifices you have made to protect a fragile nation seventy years ago. Rest in Peace. Sincerely, Joonsung Kim