UNMCK - UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

Dear Honorable Kiwi veterans of the Korean War, Hello, my name is Sun Jae Lee, and I am a high school student in South Korea. I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done to protect our country. New Zealand was one of the first nations to respond with support. The involvement of New Zealand in the Korean War began in 1950 as a response to the United Nations Security Council’s call for combat assistance in the erupting Korean War. I appreciate that your country was one of the first countries to answer a UN call to assist our country, South Korea, following a surprise attack by China-backed North Korea in 1950. Around 6000 Kiwi troops took part in the war between 1950 and 1953. At that time, for you, deciding to take part in a war would be easier said than done, so do I. That is why I think I kind of feel more grateful for your bravery. Thanks to your efforts and sacrifice, our country has been developed until now. Further, I could be born and live in this land. You know what, our country, South Korea is not perfect; however, there are lots of skyscrapers and tall apartments. Like me, many students learn various things in class. For example, in history class, we learn about Korean War and each time, we feel gratitude for your endeavors and we try to live our lives as you in the future. Oh, by the way, next year I am planning to visit New Zealand. I hope to meet you there. Even if we are living in different countries, I won’t forget you and I will always be with you. Like I said before, I thank you for your great sacrifice to help us. Yours truly, Sun Jae Lee