FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:

November 12th, 2010 Banya Lim, President, Sedona Korean American Association, 928-567-7897, banya4acu@gmail.com

Korean War Veterans Lunch Marked by Mutual Appreciation

Hosted by the Sedona Korean-American Association in special recognition of the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War

SEDONA– November 12^th, 2010.  Relived via countless popular TV shows, movies, songs, and even Broadway hits, World War II and the Vietnam War feel familiar even to those who weren’t alive at the time they were raging. The War that was sandwiched between them- the Korean War, is often overshadowed, outside of M*A*S*H fans.

For the seventy plus people crowded closely together in the Mago Healing Center this Friday however, there have been few events more significant or worthy of commemoration than the time they served in, or the time their families lived through, the Korean War.

Bud Collette travelled from Payson to attend the event with his wife, Jean.  He served in the Army for almost seven years and was in active duty in Korea for 10 months.  “I was declared ‘Killed in Action’ for four days,” he recalled.  “She (Jean, who was not yet then his wife) thought I was dead”.  His unit was ambushed on a hill, and their orders were to leave everything behind and fall back.  He recalled racing downhill as the Communist ran up it, right by him.  He got lost, but fortunately found another group of GI’s.  Four days later he found his base camp and discovered he was reported as killed in action, and that his family had already been alerted.  ‘My buddy thought he saw me go down’, he recalled.

Ben Allen, from Prescott, AZ, fought in Korea from September of 1950 until October of 1951.  He remembers fighting up and down the entire country, serving near the Yalu River (between what is now North Korea and China), until the Chinese entered the war.  At that point, they were chased down to the 38^th parallel, which still divides the country between democratic South Korea and communist North Korea today.

The event was hosted by the Sedona Korean-American Association to show appreciation to the veterans for what they did for South Korea.  Not expecting such a large turnout, President Banya Lim was visibly moved by the event.  “We wanted to give back in small ways because I don’t think they got the recognition they deserved”, shares Lim.  “My Dad was in the war, and I grew up hearing stories how he fought with the GI’s by his side.  When I hear their stories, it feels like they are my family.  They are all like my Dads.” During the ceremony, each Veteran received a Certificate of Appreciation, watched an commemoration video created by the Korean Government to mark the 60^th anniversary, and shared their personal stories of their time in the war.

The warm feeling at the gathering was mutual from both sides.  Jean and Bud Collette never got a chance to travel back to Asia since the war, but have met many South Koreans here in Arizona and have always been touched how thankful they are. “I am so impressed with the sincerity of the Koreans (I have met), how thankful they are that our men helped them,” Mrs. Collette shared.

Sedona Korean American Association is planning to have regular Korean War Veterans gatherings.  The Association is working with the Korean government to invite Veterans to commemorate their contribution.  They are also helping with the Peace Camp in Korea for the Veterans’ grandchildren.  For more information about the Sedona chapter of the Korean-American Association, please contact Banya Lim, President, at 928-567-7897 or visit sedonakorean.org.

Korean War Veterans Appreciation Day-Group Picture

It’s unbelievable that sixty years ago, on June 25, 1950, the Korean War erupted. On June 27, 1950, President Truman ordered US air and sea forces to help the South Korean régime. And on June 27, 1950, the UN Security Council published Resolution 83 recommending member state military assistance to the Republic of Korea.

This, indeed, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Every time I meet a Korean War Veteran I’m told something I can hardly believe. Over and over again, Korean War Veterans tell me that Korea is the only country that appreciates their efforts, or least continues to express its gratitude year after year. While I know your sacrifices are deeply appreciated around the globe, I can only speak for Korea. Please understand that when we express our gratitude every year, we do it with heavy hearts. We do it knowing that we would not be here today without your sacrifices. We do it because we know you lost something precious when you came to a country you knew so little about.

A soldier who must fight for freedom and democracy carries a burden like no other; he is subject to the evils of war, the unknown, violence and despair. Despite the terrible hardships he does his best to stay on course and pursue the ultimate goal.

Korea is an awesome example of that effort–the fruits of the soldiers’ blood, sweat and toil. We thank you every year not because we can, but because we must. It is in our hearts and minds to be grateful for all you have done. It is who we are.

We Koreans have the highest respect and admiration for American soldiers.  As it is engraved on the base of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, the Korean War was a battle in which America’s “sons and daughters answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.”

Although the cost of defending freedom and peace was great, the sacrifice was not in vain; you inspired the struggle for the realization of freedom worldwide.

Firmly based on the alliance and friendship, Korea-US relations have come a long way since the days of the Korean War. Korea’s rapid economic growth has been made possible by US assistance and open markets. The United States has also been a source of inspiration for the growth of democratic values and market principles in Korea. Now, Korea and the United States are major trading partners and like-minded devotees of democracy and market economy. All of this progress would not have been possible without the help of the United States during and after the Korean War.

Without the dedicated sacrifices of the Korean War veterans, who came to my country sixty years ago, South Korea would not have achieved the economic prosperity we are enjoying today. As you may have heard, we are ranked as the 12th largest economy in the world. And Korea’s hosting of the G20 Summit in Seoul yesterday and today, has been an invaluable opportunity for our nation to stand firmly at the center of the international arena, as both a leader and innovator. As a host country, Korea has been bestowed with a great honor, as well as garnering practical benefits that come from sharpening our national image and solidifying our status as a mediator for the global community.

I cannot emphasize enough that all Koreans are indebted to the Korean War veterans’ sublime devotion to ensuring freedom and democracy in our country. We will never forget your tremendous sacrifices and sufferings.

Once again, I’d like to give my utmost gratitude to the Korean War veterans and their families who are with us today, both in presence and in spirit.

I’d like to end with a quote from the brilliant British statesman, Winston Churchill, “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed to so few by so many.”

Thank you and God Bless you all.

Jaesoo Kim

Consul General
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles

Ladies and gentlemen and most honorable Korean War Veterans,  the year 2010 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War.

On behalf of Korean Chamber of Commerce in Arizona, I am endeavoring to express gratitude to the Korean War Veterans home and abroad for their noble sacrifices for the freedom of the Republic of Korea 60 years ago.

Republic of Korea as it is today only exists because of the sacrifice of the “friends of freedom” all over the world.
I appreciate all of Korean War Veterans’ sacrifice and patriotism and we will remember forever.

Thank you very much to Korean American Association of Sedona,  all the work your organization that make this wonderful events possible.

Sam Kim

President
Korean Chamber of Commerce, AZ

Sedona Red Rock News Ad

세도나 레드락 뉴스에 9월 5일자로 실릴 베테랑데이 기념 이벤트 광고입니다.

DEAR MY FRIENDS—FROM KOREA

TO USA TO MY DEAREST FRIENDS;

60 Years ago – you came to an unknown land to preserve freedom and peace!

We still remember your gallantry and sacrifice!

We always remember you!

The unexpected war put everything into chaos

And we had to put our lives on the line to protect the future of our nation!

Then you gave a warm helping hand to us in times of hardship and despair!

It’s still vivid in my memory that you came to help us in the name of friendship.

When our country’s peace was at stake you came running into danger that might separate you from your loved ones for good.

In a country you never heard of despite challenging weather and fear of war you devoted yourself to defend our freedom and the Republic of Korea.

Do you remember the time we spent together? Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we were all of one mind.

We fought days and nights in severe cold, enduring injuries.

We shed tears for the death of our innocent fellow soldiers.

Your valor and sacrifice served as a foundation for us to regain hope.

In the poorest country that was expected to take over 100 years to rise from the ashes of war.  We exerted every effort to recover from the war.

With the sweat we shed, we began to make a history of miracle amid the ruins of war.

60 years after the war – today Korea emerged as the 10^th largest economic power in the world and became the chair of G20 as well as a proud member of the United Nations.

Now Korea is leaping towards a better future. Korea became the first country that transformed itself from an aid recipient to a donor and is reaching out to those in need across the globe.

As you did for us 60 years ago we will always remember your noble sacrifice and warm heart that offered help in the name of friendship.

My dearest friend you will always be our hero.

Thank you United States of America.

60 years of commitment

60 years of friendship.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:
October 22nd, 2010 Banya Lim, President, Sedona Korean American Association, 928-567-7897, banya4acu@gmail.com

Sedona Korean-American Association Hosts Appreciation Lunch for Korean War Veterans and their Families

In special recognition of the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War

SEDONA– The year 2010 marks the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War.  In the past 60 years, generations have been born and have grown-up, and time has distanced our collective memories from the days of that war.

To the Americans who served, however, and to the Koreans who saw their country ravaged by war before it emerged as a modern leading financial success, sixty years has not erased their memory.  For this reason, the Sedona Korean-American Association would like to gather together the Korean War Veterans from Northern Arizona this Veterans Day to share memories and show its appreciation for the sacrifices they made in a foreign land for a foreign people.

The event will include a short statement from Banya Lim, Sedona business manager and President of the Korean-American Association, a luncheon, and an open mike for anyone to express their gratitude or share memories of their time in service.  Participants will include members of the Sedona Korean-American community, veterans, and their families.

The staff of the hosting venue, the Mago Healing Center at 340 Jordan Road, will offer free shoulder healing massages to the veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day.

The event will take place on November 12^th, from 11am-2pm, at 340 Jordan Road in Sedona, AZ.  An RSVP ahead of time is appreciated due to limited space.   Veterans can RSVP to Banya Lim, 928-567-7897 or 928-274-2957.