From The Dong-a Ilbo: Soldiers` letters from Korean, Vietnam wars released
In commemoration of Memorial Day, the National Archives of Korea in
Seoul released letters written by South Korean soldiers fighting in the
Korean War in the 1950s and the Vietnam War in the 1970s.
Reflecting a longing for their families, the letters were written
by young soldiers who fought for their country. Their families visited
the website of Seoul National Cemetery to read their letters and post
replies.
○ Letters from the battlefield
"My dear wife! Let`s endure until things get better. We`ll be
happy as long as we have faith in each other. I don`t want lots of
money, but hope that we`re healthy both mentally and physically. All
Korean soldiers here in Vietnam think the same."
This was a letter written by Capt. Jeong Yeong-hwan, who fought
in the Vietnam War in the 1970s. It reflects a husband`s anguish of
having left his wife behind. In another letter, he wrote, "I`m curious
if you are carrying a baby. I really hope so," reflecting his
anticipation of having a child.
These are a few of what the archives released Tuesday among
letters written by South Korean soldiers in the Vietnam and Korean wars.
Another soldier who sent a letter to his parents-in-law during
the Korean War wrote, "I`m doing well here, thanks for all the concern
you`ve shown. I`m doing my best to do my duty, so don`t worry."
Connected Online
Others sent letters in memory of the deceased, with one saying, "My son! My heart feels so cold that you`re no longer here."
On an online space prepared by Seoul National Cemetery and
Daejeon National Cemetery for people paying tribute to the deceased, 20
to 30 letters were being posted daily ahead of Memorial Day on
Wednesday.
On a bulletin board that opened in January 2002, people who lost
their sons or fathers in as well as fellow soldiers and subordinates and
superiors of the deceased uploaded letters longing for them. A combined
19,600 postings have been made as of Tuesday.
No comments:
Post a Comment