Commemorating the heroes of the Korean War

Seoul, South Korea – It was dawn on June 25^, 1950, when North Korean troops began marching through the demilitarized zone. There were whirring sounds of machines.

Alarmed, South Korea quickly began to defend itself against the sudden, unexpected attack from its neighbor.

North Korea wanted war, so South Korea offered them one and the Korean War began.

According to Brittanica, after three years of this devastating war, 2.5 million people had died.

Today, 71 years after a temporary ceasefire, South Korea continues to commemorate our lost heroes.

Last week, South Koreans commemorated the soldiers who died some 70 years ago. The government here continues to emphasize the idea of ​​reviving the memories of our heroes, especially through museums, memorials and the education of young people to ensure that the Korean War and the veterans are never forgotten.

South Koreans are grateful to all 16 countries that provided troops and other support during the war.

Even as the number of surviving veterans slowly dwindles, we continue to honor those heroes who sacrificed their lives to save South Korea, including those who sacrificed their lives for a country they didn’t even know existed.

This year, North Korea has fired missiles at the coast of South Korea or near South Korean waters. Many of my fellow citizens believe that North Korea may attack South Korea in five years.

But if you ask an ordinary South Korean civilian if he is worried about the war, he will answer with a simple “no.”

Still, the idea of ​​another war scares many people. Moreover, it is undoubtedly true that North Korea is still a communist country, which means that development rates are low compared to South Korea, a modern democracy.

The Korean War was absolutely devastating for all of us, so we will continue to honor and remember our heroes.

South Korea has been preparing for the next round of war for 40 years. While we wish for a peaceful world between our two countries, there is a possibility that we will have to face another round of tragedy and horror.

Josephine Yein Lee is a reporter at Youth Journalism International.