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About the Korean War…
The Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., brings home the reality of war like none other. Dedicated in 1995, it includes 19 stainless steel statues, a mural wall, a United Nations wall and a reflecting pool.
The statues depict troops moving through a rice paddy in Korea. They are riveting during the day and downright eerie at night. The larger than life figures from the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force are dressed in full combat gear. No matter where you stand, one of these statues is looking right at you.
The wall is 164 feet long and has 2,500 photographic images sandblasted into it of land, sea and air troops. You can touch the photographed faces of men who fought in Korea.
We do not talk about the Korean War very much, even though over 54,000 Americans died there. The sobering numbers of soldiers who died, were wounded or went missing in action are listed on granite blocks near the pool at the memorial.
Korea was divided during World War II. It officially became two countries in 1948. Then in 1950, China and Russia invaded South Korea. Eventually 21 countries came to South Korea’s defense and the United States provided 88 percent of the support troops. The war ended in 1953.
Since then, an intense contrast can be seen in the progress of each country. South Korea is a democracy with the 13th strongest economy in the world. Its 50 million people value education. About 30 percent of the people are Christian. The rapid rise in the standard of living and economic expansion have been dubbed the Miracle on the Han River. Think Samsung, LG and Hyundai. Per capita income in South Korea is over $28,000 per year.
North Korea has been ruled by despots since the end of the war. It has the worst human rights record in the world. Whisper something against the government and you are likely to find yourself in a harsh work camp without the benefit of a trial. The government controls every part of society. Per capita income stands at about $1,500 per year.
There is no limit to what can be done when people have the freedom and opportunity to improve life for themselves and their families. That’s what hope and a vision can do. The contrast between the two countries might be summed up by the words of Proverbs 29: 18: Without a vision, the people perish. The reverse is also true: with hope and a vision people thrive.
And that, dear friends, is why we build memorials, hold parades and give speeches honoring those who have fought for freedom for ourselves and people on distant shores. It is why Veterans Day is a big deal in America.
Hats off to Korean veterans and veterans everywhere who have made enormous sacrifices. You make our world more safe and free so that we may have hope for the future and peace in the present.