‘Together: Connecting Generations’
– A Generational Meeting with Veterans of the Korean War –
On January 23rd, HWPL Global 09 Branch and the Incheon Dong-gu Branch of the Korean War Veterans Association held a “Generational Meeting with Korean War Veterans” (hereinafter referred to as the meeting) at the Incheon Dong-gu Veterans Hall. This event was part of the “Together: Connecting Korea” campaign and served as an opportunity for veterans and young people to come together and promote understanding and communication between generations.
“Together: Connecting Korea” is a nationwide campaign organized by HWPL aimed at fostering sustainable development and social harmony in South Korea. It is conducted in four areas: “Connecting Generations,” “Connecting Cultures,” “Connecting the Future,” and “Connecting the People.” This meeting was organized under the theme “Connecting Generations” and provided Korean War veterans and young people with an opportunity to spend meaningful time together.
The meeting was attended by four veterans, including Ryu Seo-ho, the head of the Dong-gu Branch of the Incheon Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, as well as about 20 young people in Incheon.
The veterans shared their personal experiences and the pain they endured during the war, recalling its horrors. Some veterans got teary-eyed as they recounted their stories.
“At the age of nineteen, I lost my family due to the Korean War, and even after 75 years, I still don’t know if they are alive or dead.”
“During my time as a refugee, I enlisted in the military, fighting with guns during the day and combating with a bayonet at night.”
“In the pitch-black night, with no light at all, we couldn’t tell friend from foe. We fought just to survive.”
“As a guerrilla, without a rank or military number, I received rations and weapons from the U.S. military, taking part in combat. I only wanted to protect my hometown.”
The young people then had the opportunity to ask the veterans questions and listen to their thoughts and experiences.
One young attendee shared, “I deeply appreciate hearing the precious experiences directly from those who lived through the war. Until now, I had only learned about the war through media, but hearing it firsthand made it much more real. As our country remains in a state of ceasefire, I hope we can soon achieve a complete end to the war.” The veterans also expressed their gratitude: “It was a meaningful time to share the experiences of war that we’ve never been able to talk about easily with the younger generation. We are deeply thankful to HWPL Global 09 Branch for organizing such a meaningful event.”
The event concluded with a group photo to commemorate this meaningful intergenerational meeting. This intergenerational meeting served as a time to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of the Korean War veterans and reaffirm South Korea’s commitment to peace and unity.
