eWebTech: Chird Bobbitt Copyright © 1997-2xxx All Rights ReservedWhite County Veterans Affairs
Gill returns to South Korea for 50-year anniversary of Armistice signing
Staff Writer When his service to his country was completed in South Korea, J.G. Gill of Judsonia, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, vowed that he would never return. On March 4, however, when his name was drawn to be among the 400 Korean War veterans invited to return to the Asian nation for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the signing of the Armistice Agreement, it was an invitation he could not refuse. Ultimately, Gill boarded a plane and made the 16-hour flight to attend the July 27 event. When he arrived on Korean soil, Gill said it did not resemble the nation that was in utter destruction when he left. "Everything had been destroyed when we left. There weren't even any trees," Gill recalled. "When I went back, it was all redeveloped. It was amazing how the city had rebuilt." In addition to the 400 American Korean War veterans, Gill said veterans from 27 other nations involved in the conflict also attended the week long commemoration. Gill said the veterans attended a number of events that had been meticulously planned to honor those who participated in the liberation of South Korea from communist control. "The country and its citizens have prospered and are now the fourth most industrialized country in the world," Gill commented. Among the activities scheduled for the veterans was a trip aboard approximately 30 tour buses to the site of former battle grounds, as well as trips to local villages and memorials, Gill said. Security for the event was extremely tight and was also very evident, he said. During some of the events, Gill said he would be asked by veterans from other countries what languages he spoke to which he replied, "a little English and a lot of Arkansas." Many key figures such as Henry Kissinger, the South Korean President, and General Leon J. LaPorte, who was the Commander of Korean and United States combined forces, were also present for the event, Gill said. He said Medal of Honor recipients were recognized, and medals, citations, and awards of gratitude and heroics were awarded to all veterans who attended as well as posthumously. "It was said that the sponsors of the ceremony spent in excess of $3 million for this event," Gill said. "Many veterans expressed relief and closure for the memories they had held for so many years." Gill said the American veterans did not experience any anti-American sentiment from the South Korean people while visiting their country. "Everywhere we went, citizens of all ages bowed and thanked us for saving their homeland," he recalled. "Many expressed their gratitude with tears in their eyes which brought tears to our eyes also." Although his experience in returning to South Korea was positive, Gill said it felt good to return home to the United States.
|
