Waegwan War Memorial

While very few Americans could probably even name the decade the Korean War was fought in, the Korean people are still hurting from this 60 year old war. It was their civil war, except no one really won, and their country still remains divided. Here is a quote from the museum that I felt very moved by: "We still cannot heal all the scars left in our heart, but have opened an era of dialogue & cooperation. We wish the long cherished peace would finally come, leaving the time of pain and sorrow behind."
This is a war memorial near where we live commemorating the war and also a battle that occurred in the area. It consists of a few outdoor monuments, some equipment set up outside, and a small museum detailing the battle and an overview of the war, with a small section giving props to the UN force. (I was shocked to learn that France contributed fighters, though even South Africa sent more. end sarcasm )

This is the museum in the background with the flags of the UN & participating countries in the foreground. You can also see some of the weapons behind the flags.


Here is a plaque describing the battle. I hope you can click on the photo to enlarge.


I like this one with the soldier on one side and the woman, presumably his love, holding the Korean flag on the other side, separated by the memorial. (The above plaque was on this monument.)
The next is a combined memorial to Korean veterans from the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

I always feel very reflective at war memorials, which I guess is the point. I try to imagine what it would be like to live through such a thing. What is it like to fight for the survival of your country, yourself, your family? Where will your next meal come from? Will you be alive to eat it? How can you protect your children? They have photos of life during the war and it is so very sad.

Sorry it's sideways!

I always leave memorials feeling so grateful to be born as an American. American soldiers have left their blood in so many foreign lands, not because someone ordered them to, but because they believe in something bigger than self. They believe in their brothers in arms, in the cause of humanity, and they believe it's okay to love your country and be unabashedly proud. They choose honor over political correctness, selfless service over their 'right to free speech'. No matter how coarse they are or how arrogant they act I believe that for all their flaws American soldiers are truly the greatest and bravest in the world.