Posted on 12/09/2008 7:32:38 PM PST by dayglored
SAN DIEGO - A Korean immigrant who lost his wife, two children and mother-in-law when a Marine Corps jet slammed into the family's house said Tuesday he did not blame the pilot, who ejected and survived.
"Please pray for him not to suffer from this accident," a distraught Dong Yun Yoon told reporters gathered near the site of Monday's crash of an F/A-18D jet in San Diego's University City community.
"He is one of our treasures for the country," Yoon said in accented English punctuated by long pauses while he tried to maintain his composure.
"I don't blame him. I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could," said Yoon, flanked by members of San Diego's Korean community, relatives and members from the family's church.
Authorities said four people died when the jet crashed into the Yoon family's house...
Yoon named the victims as his infant daughter Rachel, who was born less than two months ago; his 15-month-old daughter Grace; his wife, Young Mi Yoon, 36; and her 60-year-old mother, Suk Im Kim, who he said had come to the United States from Korea recently to help take care of the children.
Fighting back tears, he said of his daughters: "I cannot believe that they are not here right now... I know there are many people who have experienced more terrible things," Yoon said. "But, please, tell me how to do it. I don't know what to do."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
With the knowledge that good people across our nation are praying for you in this time of great tragedy.
In life, we all face adversity, trivial and great. How you confront this adversity is a testament to your character. You, Mr. Dong Yun Yoon, show truly exceptional character in your actions and sentiments. I am proud to call you a fellow American.
Your strength, character, and our Holy Lord will see you through this most difficult of times.
God Bless you, Sir. May He Welcome your loved ones with Open Arms.
Absolutely. Mr. Yoon is a modern day Job. Everyone pls pray for the Almighty to console him of his loss.
and also pls pray for the pilot as well. If Mr. Yoon can forgive him, then it shows how much character this person has after that kind of loss.
Ditto that. Wow.
God bless Mr. Yoon.
There goes more of a Christian than I am.
He is an example, and I will pray for him.
A lot of Americans could learn from him.
I wish I could be so strong and forgiving.
You are scum
Words me. The pain he must be in.
> Minor point, but why does it matter that he spoke in "accented" English?
I took that only as an indication that although English was not his first language, he chose to use English because after all, that's what Americans speak.
This man is an American, and obviously a proud one. As another, I honor his choice.
What an awesome father, to keep his priorities straight and not lash out in the midst of his grief. I can’t imagine losing my family like that. May his joy be unbounded when he is reunited with them in Heaven. Given the names of his daughters, it is apparent that He has developed strong faith and is now being given the chance to exercise it.
What a wonderful man its rare to see such humility and forgiveness these days.
Here, folks, is a textbook example of the sort of comment that would have benefited greatly from just a little bit of thinking before hitting that "Post" button...
Bless him, Lord God, and cause Your face to shine upon him. May he be richly rewarded for his example of forgiveness and compassion. Thank You for sharing him with us. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Is there anything we can do for Mr. Yoon?
And dare we ask the pilot why he would bail out over an inhabited area?
You're welcome to fight in FReepmail, of course.
Wow. . . I am simply floored.
This Korean immigrant knows more about America than many Americans.
My Faith has just grown stronger and my prayers are with him and his family.
Has anyone heard of a fund to help this man out?
No wife, no children or mother in law and no house?
Just before Christmas. Is there some way we can help?
That poor poor man. How very gracious of him to be so kind while he is in such horrible pain. How very sad.
> while Minipax's FReepaholic'scomment was (IMO) unthoughtful,...
You know that some people only have Pascal’s view of religion; they see it as a tool of profit. Sadly, such people fail the great test that was given to them through the tragedy that befell others.
Life’s disasters and blessings give us our tests. Will our faith hold up? In Mr. Yoon’s case, his ability to remain good and poised are the ultimate characteristics of a good and sincere faith. Sadly, I cannot say that about some of our freepers.
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