Free Republic

Why did he go there? Why did Merrill Newman, a Veteran of the Korean War, decide to go to North Korea? I thought we were legally restricted from traveling there, as with Cuba. I guess I was incorrect. Did Mr. Newman really think all would go well there? Does he know that Kim Jong Un had his ex-girlfriend killed by firing squad a few weeks ago? What about passports, is it likely Mr. Newman would have had to explain what his travel plans were, or not really? This was unwise on so many levels. The elderly gentleman has walked right...

South Korea (AP) -- North Korea state media claimed Saturday that an elderly U.S. tourist detained for more than a month has apologized for alleged crimes during the Korean War and for "hostile acts" against the state during a recent trip. North Korean authorities released video showing 85-year-old Merrill Newman, wearing glasses, a blue button-down shirt and tan trousers, reading his alleged apology, which was dated Nov. 9 and couldn't be independently confirmed. Pyongyang has been accused of previously coercing statements from detainees. There was no way to reach Newman and determine the circumstances of the alleged confession. "I have...

A video has been released by the North Korean government showing detained American veteran Merrill Newman, 85, admitting to being 'guilty' of crimes including killing innocent civilians when he was a soldier in the Korean War. Newman, who has not been heard from since he was detained on October 26, is seen reading a four-page hand-scribbled letter on camera in an undisclosed location in the video released on Saturday. The veteran from California looks uneasy in the video, and with shaking hands apologizes for what he supposedly did 60 years ago. ‘I realize that I cannot be forgiven for my...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. .................................................................. .................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should...