The Korean War was far more than a regional conflict; it was a battle for the principles of freedom and democracy. The United Nations (UN) forces, supported by medical assistance from 22 nations, came together in an unprecedented display of international cooperation, embodying a steadfast commitment to justice and peace. The soldiers who fought valiantly to defend South Korea left an indelible mark on the nation's history and the world. The freedoms enjoyed today were hard-won, forged through their immense sacrifice, bravery, and resilience.
A powerful symbol of this enduring legacy is the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK)—the only UN memorial cemetery in existence. This sacred ground in Busan is the final resting place for the brave souls who gave their lives in the Korean War, chosen as it was the last line of defense during the war. The cemetery stands as a lasting testament to the protection and preservation of peace.
On June 25, 2024, the 74th UN Korean War Commemoration Day, I visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery with a desire to understand the sacrifices made by these soldiers and the nations they represented. The visit was a poignant reminder of the immense cost of freedom, particularly as I witnessed the Pledge of Allegiance and prayers honoring those who fought and died between 1950 and 1953. I also had the privilege of exchanging words with Rear Admiral Neil Koprowski, current Commander of US Naval Forces Korea.
After the ceremony, I walked through the memorial plaques and the Wall of Remembrance, which bears the names of 40,896 UN soldiers who perished during the war. The experience instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the memory of these sacrifices and to cherish the freedoms they secured. The contributions of UN and Korean soldiers were not just significant; they were instrumental in maintaining democracy and freedom in South Korea. The gratitude owed to both the fallen and active soldiers, especially from the U.S. and UN forces, cannot be overstated. These individuals continue to work toward preserving global freedom and liberty, a cause that demands our recognition and appreciation.
Inspired to express my respect and gratitude, I created a "Freedom Isn’t Free" shirt fundraiser to purchase wreaths for the cemetery. This effort has grown to include other youths—from middle schoolers to college students—who have joined in honoring the soldiers through fundraising and memorial activities. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea website offers a feature called “Finding the Interred at the UNMCK,” allowing individuals to learn about the soldiers buried there. Through this, I discovered and chose to make a gesture of respect for Mr. Jack D. Childress from Tennessee, whose bravery in both the Korean War and World War II left a lasting impression, on the day of his passing: August 8th. Students such as Alex Jongho Lee and Juyeon Cha have chosen to lay flowers for other courageous individuals like Russell Harold Johnstad and James Patrick Daunt.
Opportunities to express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the UN forces are always available. I encourage everyone to learn more about these heroes and the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. By doing so, we not only honor their legacy but also ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
