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Donât Talk Down the West Sea Clash
On June 29, 2002 six members of the ROK Navy were killed in a clash with North Korean forces northwest of Incheon just south of the Northern Limit Line. The following shows how pathetic the government of South Korea is.The resentment and fury felt by the families of the six naval officers killed in the West Sea clash a year ago make us wonder whether we live in a country that fulfills its basic duties for its people. The families say that the government has not kept one promise - and that it has failed to send even one letter or make even one telephone call of condolence. "But the commanders of the UN forces, the U.S. forces in Korea and the 7th U.S. squadron all sent letters," one father said. "Which country did my son die fighting for?" No one can answer him. A country must continuously embrace and lead its people if it wants them to develop feelings of attachment and loyalty. When soldiers or veterans from the Korean War passed away, the government sent letters of kind regards and sympathy to their families; that practice continued until the 1970s. Although the letters were similar to form letters, many families still keep them, and are proud of them. But a year has passed since the battle in the West Sea, and the government has not comforted the families of the victims with a single word. Who would give their lives for a country that won't even carry out a simple formality to let the dead souls rest in peace? To make matters worse, the government and some parts of society are making absurd claims that the South bears most of the responsibility for the battle, or that it was accidental. They are trying to discount the men's deaths. In a telling anecdote, it is said that Condoleezza Rice, the White House's national security adviser, asked a Korean government official if he knew the names of the two middle school girls killed last year by a U.S. armored vehicle. He answered yes right away. Then she asked if he knew any of the names of the sailors killed in the West Sea battle. The official stuttered, unable to answer the question. This embarrassing incident shows us how ridiculous our country may seem to the world. Why does a nation exist? To protect the people. If the families of those who sacrifice their lives for a country feel like their children or their brothers are forgotten, then that country has failed, and the country can no longer expect the loyalty of its people. On the coming anniversary of the West Sea battle, June 29, we must properly console the families of the young souls that died a heroic death while standing up to the North's provocation. It must be an opportunity for Korea to show that it is indeed a country worthy of its name and that it does not forget the sacrifices that its people have made. Posted by: Michael 2003-06-18 |
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