YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea –
The KumGok Academico
Cultural Foundation hosted the 6th Annual Korean Culture Night May 8 at the
Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul, South Korea to introduce
Service members, Civilians and Family members to Korea's vibrant cultural history
and thank them for their contributions to the US-ROK Alliance.
As the
event kicked off, Scholar Ha, Yeon-Soo the Chairman of the KumGok Academico
Cultural Foundation discussed why the event is held at the Sheraton Walkerhill
Hotel each year.
"It is my honor to host the 6th annual Korean Culture
night with Eighth Army," said Ha. "I sincerely thank you all for attending here
at the (Sheraton Grande) Walker Hill Hotel, which is a sacred place for Eighth
Army here in Korea."
"This hill, the cradle of the ROK-US spirit, was
named after the late Gen. Walton H. Walker in commemoration of his great courage
and Soldier spirit," Ha explained. "He served as commander of the Eighth Army
during the Korean War and is known for his words during the fight at the Nakdong
Riverfront, where was quoted as saying, 'I will defend this country Korea till
the end, even if I have to die right here'. His (General Walker's) spirit
continues to live on in the hearts of many Koreans today and by hosting this
event here we honor his memory."
During the event, American
service members were treated to various Korean performances including a reworked
version of the Beatles hit "Let it Be" by students from Sookmyung Women's
University with a traditional Korean instrument called the 'Gayageum', as well
as a traditional Korean percussion piece performed by members of the South
Korean Command Defense Command.
Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, Eighth Army
commanding general thoroughly enjoyed the performances, and it was clear from
his remarks that he is well-versed in the rich cultural history that has
permeated this nation for thousands of years.
"On your way here tonight
I'm sure you noticed the colorful lotus lanterns that line the Korean streets in
preparation for Suk-Ka-Tan-Shin-ill (Buddha's Birthday) and Yeon-Dung-Hwe (the
Lotus Lantern Festival)," said Champoux. "It reminded me just how rich the
culture and history of this noble country truly is."
"And that is why
this night is so special," he said. "Our Service members deeply respect our host
nation and its warm, friendly and welcoming people. They enjoy serving in this
beautiful country, eating its delicious food and exploring its fascinating
culture."
In addition to the cultural themes of the night, Scholar Ha and
the KumGok Academico Cultural Foundation also hosted the event to thank members
of the US-ROK Alliance for all that they do in defense of South Korea.
One of the preeminent Confucian authorities in the world today, Ha has
been a staunch supporter of the Alliance since he was a little boy when he
witnessed American Soldiers repel the communist invasion. Often times he would
walk to the local base to learn English from the Soldiers and they would take
him for a ride in one of the military Jeeps.
"As a young boy during the
Korean War, Scholar Ha learned about America through the eyes and actions of
American Soldiers along the Nakdong River during the period that Eighth Army
established the Pusan Perimeter," said Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux. "The sustained
acts of kindness and the way that the Americans treated this little Korean boy
is the engine that drives this evening's generosity. By hosting tonight's event
he (Scholar Ha) has been able to fulfill the promise he made to himself as a
little boy…to repay the humanity he received during those difficult days."
"This year (marks) the 65th anniversary of the Korean War and the 70th
anniversary of Korea's independence," Ha said. "Each year in May we hope to
further consolidate the ROK-US Alliance to achieve peaceful (re)-unification of
the Korean Peninsula and defend its freedom to renew that same spirit and
blossom anew."
While Ha experienced the Korean War first-hand as a
child, Lt. Gen. Champoux is no stranger to the 3-year conflict. His father, then
Cpt. Francis Champoux, served here during the war as a company commander with
the 65th Infantry Regiment "Borinqueneers". While the 65th Inf. Reg. took part
in numerous battles during the War the most famous battle they fought in took
place at Jackson Heights.
"Last April I had the chance to accompany the
Champoux family to Jackson Heights in the 6th Infantry Division region of
Cheolwan, where his father, Francis Champoux fought risking his life during the
Korean War," recounted Ha. "His older sister's eyes swelled with tears as she
gazed…across the barbed wire fences and as we watched her we were also moved to
tears and could feel his (Lt. Gen. Champoux's) resolve to continue his work to
strengthen the Alliance."
Following Ha's remarks, Champoux thanked him
for paying homage to his father, but also extended his gratitude and reverence
to the many other attendees who had family who fought valiantly during the
Korean War.
"Scholar Ha, thank you so much for mentioning my father,"
Champoux began. "So many of our fathers and grandfathers fought here and when
you mention my father you honor all of our family members who have served
here."
"I would also like to thank all of our current service members for
continuing to defend liberty here on Freedom's Frontier," Champoux went on. "You
are part of a storied legacy of service and sacrifice here in the Republic of
Korea that has endured for the last six and a half decades."
At the
close of the event the KumGok Academico Cultural Foundation held a raffle to
hand out prizes to service members in attendance. Among the gifts given away were
Apple I-pads, bicycles and a grand prize drawing for a Hyundai i-30 sedan. The
lucky Soldier who drove off in the new car was Pvt. Austin Manney from the 2nd
Infantry Division.
From the young Korean boy who used to walk miles
through a war-zone to hitch a ride in the back of a U.S. Army Jeep, to a well
respected Korean leader who went out of his way to repay the favor by handing
out a brand new car to a current American Soldier it was a fitting end to a
story that had been developing for the last 65 years.
The irony of the
situation was not lost on Champoux who took the gesture as a true sign of the
mutual respect between South Koreans and their American partners.
"The
car that Scholar Ha gave to (Pvt. Manney) is in genuine thanks for the many
rides he received from various military jeeps and two-ton trucks those many
years ago," said Champoux. "Tonight is the fulfillment of a promise by a
gracious and kind man who provides an example for us all to follow."