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Bitter cold that is the memory of war in Korea.
The
northern latitude and 6,000-foot mountains made infantry treks a terrible
task. Baking sun and stones everywhere that was the terrain in an
unfamiliar place among a people with an unfamiliar story. Except for this
the defense of Freedom.
The
Monument presents a rice-field pattern at its base the remains of an oak
tree standing
guard. On the stump is a faded map of
Korea, almost 'forgotten', like the slogan
for the War. Around the
tree are carved United Nations countries that shared the burden of the
War. Three dog tags hang from a blown-up machine gun. Symbolizing three
unknown soldiers they chime in the wind reminding us not to forget them.
'Hidden' against craters and rubble is a bronze bas-relief of three
soldiers. In the cold rage of battle, an African-American 'savior', a
Caucasian 'wounded' and a 'defender' exhibit heroic compassion. Haunting
photos are laser-etched on the granite trench Seoul/Inchon, Chosin
Reservoir, Taejon, and jet aircraft OSAN-NI-K55.
At
the 38th Parallel one goes no further stopped, frustrated the only way out
is to return by the way in. The War in Korea was like that after three
years of costly fighting, armistice remained at the 38th Parallel. Real
peace was not proclaimed
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