The only United Nations Memorial Cemetery in the world is located in Nam-gu, Busan.
After learning that fact, I decided to do a project report on the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea. As a youth reporter for Leaders Times, I visited the UNMCK to cover meaningful historical facts.
Together with reporters for Leaders Times, I initially visited Busan out of curiosity about the soldiers and countries that made sacrifices to protect Korea. There, many people were honoring the soldiers and veterans who participated in the Korean War. As I wandered through the memorial cemetery, observing the memorial stones and events, I felt an even stronger desire to learn more about the immense courage and sacrifice of these soldiers.
To briefly explain the war, the Korean War began with North Korea's invasion of South Korea, supported by the Soviet Union, on June 25, 1950. Initially, North Korea pushed South Korea all the way down to Busan, where the last defense line, known as the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter, was established. However, the tide began to turn on September 15, 1950, when General MacArthur launched a daring counterattack at Incheon with the support of the United Nations. This marked a significant moment, as it was the first major military action under the United Nations Command. Thanks to the efforts of many countries and General MacArthur, the South was able to push the North back to the Yalu River near China. Feeling threatened, China intervened to help North Korea, ultimately resulting in a stalemate near the 38th parallel.
Many nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, South Africa, Greece, Ethiopia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Colombia, contributed troops under the United Nations command. Among them, 36,516 U.S. soldiers, along with many others from various nations, lost their lives in the effort to protect Korea, a country many had never known before the war. In honor of the soldiers, the UM Memorial Cemetery is dedicated to honoring the soldiers and ensuring that those buried there rest in peace. Busan was chosen as the site because it was the only place that remained safe when North Korea invaded, and it continues to stand as a symbol of peace and protection for the country.
As I saw and read more about the UN cemetery and all the nations that came to South Korea’s aid, I realized that honoring the sacrifice of these soldiers is not just about remembering history; it's about acknowledging the profound impact of their bravery on our present and future. I wanted to do something to commemorate their courage. This is why other students and I made a “Freedom isn’t Free” shirt and help fundraise enough for a wreath at the UN memorial cemetery to honor the soldiers buried in the cemetery. Although I placed a wreath for one soldier, this personal act of remembrance is my way of showing respect and gratitude for the soldiers who laid down their lives for the peace and protection of the world.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. If it were not for the soldiers who protected this small land, we would not exist today. My country, as well as the rest of the world, would not be free without your dedication and bravery.
- Hyeonseok Rho, Junior (11th grade) at Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis, Missouri.-
