Message from a Korean War Veteran

Arirang: Message from a Korean War Veteran
This is a prestigious boy's high school, the oldest of its kind in Durban with a history of over 140 years.

Some silver-haired residents of Durban pay this school a visit with a special story.

Students from this school had sacrificed their lives in the World War 2 battles between Germany and England, as well as in the Korean War.

To honor their noble spirits, the school has inscribed the names of all its students who became heroes and war veterans.

James Mackenzie Sweeny fought in the Korean War.

Although he came back alive, seeing the names of his deceased comrades brings a lump to his throat.

Vivid images of a war-stricken Korea in ruins are still seared into his memory.

[ENG]
[Interview : James Mackenzie Sweeney, Korean War veteran ] "South Korea, at the time, it was mainly a no factories. The factories were all in the north. It was agriculture and rather primitive agriculture. All the bridges over the Han River had been destroyed. And it's quite incredible to see the 30, or whatever it is, bridges
they have now."

Thinking about the past always brings tears to his eyes.

He paid Korea a visit in 1992, and then again in 2010, which marked the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. And he was simply speechless by the transformation that Korea has undergone.

[ENG]
[Interview : James Mackenzie Sweeney, Korean War veteran ] "It's quite incredible how South Korea has progressed. I told people about it. They don't believe me. They can't conceive the change in that period of time. It's an example to the rest of the world and it was done by people who were prepared to work."

Now, he is moved to tears by Korea's feats, not its tragic past.

[Interview : ] "One of South Korea's city, which is called Pyeongchang, they are trying for the third time now. So do you can you say anything to them[Interview : James Mackenzie Sweeney, Korean War veteran ] "The South Koreans hosted the Olympics very, very successfully, and I think they have proved that they can do it, and they should get it. They deserve it."

[STUDIO]

That's a very powerful and moving message.

So many people from all around the world sacrificed their lives and gave their youth to fight for democracy here in our country.

It's really touching.

And it should makes us grateful everyday for the quick advancement of the nation in just this short span of time.

Well we certainly are hoping for the best.

I never heard it in that way that we deserve it.

I think what he's saying is that we owe it to bring the spirit of the sacrifice in creating this nation to the Olympics again especially as the future of Asia is still being shaped.

So we only have hours to go until the big announcement.

Exciting, huh Wonder how it will go

Until then everyone please send your thoughts and wishes over to Durban.