There are some wonderful advantages to living in a foreign country. For us, it's that we've experienced being a minority for the first time and exposure to a different culture and way of living. There have been some things that we won't change our ways on, but living here has forced us to really live with what we need.
I have a great amount of respect for the Korean people. They are hard working, gracious, and patriotic - sounds like something we know a lot about. What strikes me is every time we're out and someone approaches us, if they ever get away from admiring the girls, they look at Ronnie and ask if he's military. When he answers, why yes, I am, the outpouring of gratitude comes. He's had his hand shook, his cheeks kissed, hugged, and saluted.
You're probably wondering what all that is about? Especially because Ronnie is definitely not blonde-haired nor blue-eyed.
60 years ago, North Korea decided to cross the 38th parallel and invade their Southern and Democratic brother. The Korean War was the first significant armed conflict of the Cold War. Several UN countries came to South Korea's aid, including the US. For three years, we fought for the Korean people against North Korea, China and the Soviet Union; but more importantly, we fought to preserve the democratic way of life. Technically, the war is still going on, as there is an armitice in place.
As we go into our own Independence Day celebrations, I will leave you with this thought: At a recent squadron funtion, one of the honorary commanders stood up and proposed a toast to the US military saying "Thanks to you, for 60 years, we have had peace."
Pil Sung Korea!
No comments:
Post a Comment