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CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Nestled in the serene rolling green
hills of Jochiwon rests a memorial statue dedicated to the Soldiers
of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division and the
sacrifices they made delaying the north Korean Army's southern
advance. This allowed what remained of a shattered resistance to
regroup and eventually take back their homeland from the invading
Army but with a significant price. In total the unit suffered 517
casualties during the three days of battle. They were fighting for a
country not their own but each one willing to sacrifice their lives
to ensure South Korea's survival.
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Pvt. Joshua Gordon, from Ann Arbor, Mich., assigned to the Company
E, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation
Brigade poses for a picture with members of the Korean Augmentation
to the United States Army Veterans Association (Daejeon city,
Chungcheon Province, Seijong city Chapter) in front of the Splendor
of Peace and Freedom monument after the Gaemi Hill Memorial Ceremony
July 11, 2013 located near Jochiwon, South Korea. (U.S. Army photo
by Staff Sgt. Aaron P. Duncan, 2nd CAB PAO)
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“I am part of the Korean War generation and I really
experienced the Korean War,” said Jung, Tae Jo, the
president of the Seijong chapter of the Korean Military
Merit Award Association, who fought in the Korean War
earning two Hwarang Military Distinguished Service Medals.
“U.S. Soldiers who have nothing related with our country
sacrificed themselves here just to defend us.”
This
year made the eighth time the members of the Korean Military
Merit Association (Seijong Chapter) have held the annual
Gaemi Hill Memorial Ceremony located near Jochiwon,for the
fallen Soldiers with the support of Seijong city.
“What I thought was U.S. and Korea should repay their
sacrifice,” said Jung. “If it were not for their sacrifice
there would be no Korea now, so, I thought someone should be
responsible for the debt. Then I thought Seijong city and
Korea Military Merit Awards Association Seijong chapter
should take the lead.”
The event began with each
country's national anthems being played by the Korean Army's
32nd Division's military band and was followed by a moment
of silence for the soldiers lost at the historic site. As
the Korean War veterans and the U.S. soldiers bowed their
heads, memories of the lives lost floated in the thoughts of
those in attendance. It was a sobering moment that made at
least one soldier in attendance understand the depth of
sacrifice that is sometimes required as a soldier.
“I
feel like it [memorial] is something that needs to done to
honor those who are not here anymore and pay our respect,”
said Pvt. Joshua Gordon, from Ann Arbor, Mich. assigned to
the Company E, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd
CAB. “Memorials kind of wake you up to the fact that this is
a hazardous job where you might be asked to go to war and
give your life.”
The silence was then broken with
the thunderous sound of gun fire as the Korean 32nd Div.,
1970 Corps, 7th Battalion firing squad conducted their
27-gun salute and signaled the beginning of the floral
tribute and burning of incense. One by one the various
participants walked up to the memorial and placed a white
rose at its feet, burned the incense, and gave a respectful
salute in a show of gratitude for shedding their blood in
service to their country and the Korean people.
“The
purpose of the memorial is to look back upon sacrificed
soldiers with respect and affection,” said Jung. “The floral
tribute is important because it is something we do to repay
their favor and to show respect.”
The ceremony ended
with addresses given by the mayor of Seijong, Yu, Han-Sik,
Jung, and the commander of 2nd CAB, Col. Walter T. Rugen.
While all the speeches praised the soldiers of the 21st Inf.
Reg., and the other soldiers lost during the Korean War,
Rugen's words highlighted our nation's commitment to our
allies of more than 60 years.
“Sixty years ago a bond
between the militaries of our two nations was formed that
stands as one of the strongest in the world today,” said
Rugen. “We share that close bond of arms and we are joined
by a common set of democratic values needed to guarantee
success in the future. As a soldier I get the opportunity to
train alongside your army and am part of this great
alliance. I am very proud of that.”
While this year's
memorial ceremony is now complete, the commitment to the
Soldiers that were lost still lives in Jung's heart. He has
special plans for the future of the memorial and their
decedents.
“There will be a lot of construction going
on at this facility because people should know about U.S.
and Korea's relationship,” said Jung. “I also hope tourists
from the U.S. come and visit this site and feel like Korea
is a country who knows to repay another's favor and I want
this place to be the best place that praises the U.S.'s
distinguished service in Korea. I'm also planning to
establish a scholarship just for 24th Inf. Div., I will give
it to descendants of 24th Inf. Div., who fought in the
Korean War. I dream that they go all around the world and
feel that Korea is a friend.”
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron P. Duncan
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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