Posted on 06/25/2008 3:18:33 PM PDT by kellynla
SEOUL : Fifty-eight years ago, a war broke out on the Korean peninsula, and today, the two sides - South and North Korea - remain technically at war and divided.
Although it has been more than five decades, there are still South Koreans - who were soldiers at the time - being kept against their will in North Korea.
One of the prisoners of war (POW), Kim Jin Soo, recently escaped the North. The 74-year-old POW fought in the Korean War at the age of 17 and was captured by the North Koreans in 1953.
All these years, he had been living in the communist state working as a coal miner. But earlier this month, he managed to escape North Korea and seek help from the South Korean authorities. He is now waiting to return home for the first time in 55 years
Kim is one of the hundreds of POWs who were never sent back home after the three-year Korean War ended with the signing of an armistice in 1953.
The Korean government admits there are more than 500 POWs in North Korea, but there are no official talks underway between the two Koreas to bring them back home
"In about a year or two, many of them (POWs) will pass away due to old age. If the government does not tackle this issue with North Korea, they could all die," said Choi Sung Yong, who heads the association of abductees' families.
And as South Koreans remember the Korean War on Wednesday, some said the South Korean government should be taking action.
"It doesn't make sense. In other countries, they are even searching for dead bodies, and Japan is trying to bring home their abducted citizens. We cannot just do nothing," said a South Korean.
Events were held at the War Memorial in Seoul to ensure that the younger generation do not forget the Korean War, which has not officially ended since a peace treaty has never been signed.
A recent survey of about 1,000 middle and high school students showed that 57 per cent of them did not know that the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950. 51 percent of the respondents did not know that the war broke out with the invasions of the North Koreans.
And as young South Koreans begin to forget the Korean War, many will not understand why Kim struggled for 55 years to try to return to the country that he fought to defend, and the hundreds of POWs who were caught by the North Koreans and are still waiting for their government to come and rescue them. - CNA /ls
God Bless all those who fought and died.
Semper Fi, Kelly
ping
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL
http://www.nps.gov/kwvm/war/korea.htm
on another note Regardless of what country they are from the POW/MIA soldiers need to be repatriated.
Korean War Vets are continually ignored. I assume they fought just as hard as WW2 and Vietnam Vets. They are mostly in their 60s and 70s now.
One of our families better treasures is a flag from my fathers ship. It is about frayed in half from being flown on a ship. It was in battle in Korea and a real source of pride; my father takes it to his ship reunions ever time.
Great soldier glad to read the story... there are so many others that did the same that never tell their story or never had their story told... God Bless all our vets...
This kind of bravery is what over half the country cannot comprehend. Or the need for it.
Never a real war and from then until now all “wars” were
Set ups, Our leaders forget that our great Military should
be used as a real threat and if used its purpose is to kill
enemies and break things that could be used against America.
May we always remember them.
Thanks for posting this. Laura Ingraham had a piece on it today on her FOX show- from the Korean War Memorial.
Our thanks go to all our military who fought in the Korean War, those who gave all and our veterans.
God Bless them all.
Colonel Harry Riley asked me to pass this on, in the hopes of locating another Marine or Corpsman who witnessed a brave warrior’s heroism under fire. RV
Korean War action, Sep. 1950
I have been requested by Colonel Len Hayes, USMC (Ret’d) to assist in locating any Marine or Corpsman who served with B/1/1 in Korea on Sep 21, 1950. On that date the 1stBn, 1st Marines were involved in the attack on Yongdong-po. B Company attacked over a series of dikes outside the town and the western part of Yongdong-po and suffered heavy casualties. One Plt Ldr, Lt Connor Hollingsworth, from B/1/1 was severely wounded and many have stated previously that he should be awarded an award for his heroic conduct during this engagement with the enemy. After the Seoul engagement the Company Commander, Captain Bland was transferred to Wpns Co. Capt Bland (LtCol Bland, USMC-Ret’d recently passed away) but prior to his passing sent an E-Mail to Lt Col Marvin D. Gardner, USMC (Ret’d) highly recommending 1stLt Hollingsworth for an award. The Awards Board at HQMC refused to accept this unsigned Personal Award Recommendation submitted by the former Co Cdr, now deceased. LtCol Gardner’s recommendation was considered acceptable to the Awards Board, but we need one additional, signed & notarized statement from another Marine or Corpsman who witnessed 1stLt Hollingsworth’s heroic actions during that engagement. Captain Hollingsworth was medically separated from the USMC on Nov 1, 1950. He is being recommended for the Bronze Star Medal w/v and we have been informed that he is not expected to live. Those that knew him would like to see him receive this award before he passes away. 1stLt Hollingsworth was the Plt Ldr of the 3rd Plt of B/1/1. Anyone having witnessed the heroic actions by the Lt are asked to contact Colonel Len Hayes, USMC (Ret’d). Business Mgr of the 1st Marine Division Assn. LtGen Dick Carey, USMC (Ret’d) is also working on this award. Colonel Hayes may be reached by calling (760) 967 - 8561/62 (Office) or (760) 712 - 7088(Cell). Time is of the essence. PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANY MEMBERS OF 1/1 WHO MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST.
S/F,
Don Greenlaw
Captain, USMC(Ret’d)
Marine Mustang
My Dad fought in Korea, Love you Pap ,see you soon.
Butch
People don’t know that when War is Declared you’re in for the duration,not 13-18 months or so on.When the next War is declared folks will know..
Amazing the strength, honor and valor of some men.
I saw the Korean Memorial this past week. Seeing the larger than life soldiers and the granite reflecting wall I thought it was better than the WW II Memorial. It was raining when we approached and looking through the trees and seeing what was probably a squad moving along in the grass gave a feeling of reality. It was impressive. A well done.
The beauty of it is more often than not they’re they ordinary Joe next to us in line at the hardware store, a backyard neighbor, a family friend....
We are blessed.
your assumption is correct
My dad is from South Korea so I want to thank all the Korean War Vets and those who did not make it back.
THANK YOU!!!
It’s also the anniversary of Custer’s Last Stand. June 25th, 1876.
“God Bless all those who fought and died.”
Indeed...
GOD BLESS OUR KOREAN WAR HEROES!!!!!
So many true heros throughout our history. So many we are in debt to.
Rangers lead the way....
I’ll give this a bump, but just this once ; )
Unfortunately, most people’s knowledge of the Korean War seems to be gleened from episodes of MASH.
It’s sad that our Korean War veterans don’t get the recognition that they deserve.
Yea, well I was very surprised that I couldn’t find one article from America on the 58th anniversary...
and then again, I shouldn’t have been surprised at all.
“police action” or “war” American military fought and many died!
Mark, I miss you, brother.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
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