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Re: Korea Never Forgot Her Liberators

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: August 29, 2003

"Korea never forgot its liberators

Terri Miles, Editor Amity Observer

BETHANY - It's been called the Forgotten War, but Art Slicer of Bethany has a simple message he wants to share with fellow war veterans: The South Koreans never forgot the soldiers who liberated their country.
"We are not forgotten," he said.

Slicer still doesn't know why he was chosen to represent Connecticut at the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice in Seoul, Korea last month but said it was an honor he appreciates and will never forget.

He was 19 when he volunteered for the draft more than 50 years ago, after the North Korean People's Army stormed across the 38th parallel into South Korea in June 1950.

The South Koreans turned to the United Nations for assistance, and the United States and several other nations answered the call. A three-year battle ensued, in which the invaders were pushed back to the border. On July 27, 1953, the armistice was signed at Panmunjom.

Like many other young men who served in the war, Art said, "We came home, sat at the kitchen table and our parents asked, 'When are you going to get back to work?' There was no fanfare for us like in WWII. We were gone for 18 months or more, came home and got right back into the regular routine."

So, Art was perplexed when he received a letter eight months ago, saying he had been chosen for an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea for the anniversary celebration.

"We wondered - is this a scam?" his wife, Maddie, said. "We never heard of such a thing."

The event had been publicized in military magazines and newsletters, and 20,000 veterans applied for the honor. Art had not.

Maddie was skeptical. "His trip was all-expenses-paid, but I had to pay for my flight," she said. "It had to be a scam."

The Slicers investigated the offer, going as far as calling the Army base in Korea for confirmation. They spoke to Col. Martin Glasser, who verified that the event was three years in the planning and 100 percent authentic.

Their [late] son, Chris, told his parents that it was such an honor that they got to go, according to Maddie.

Unexpected greeting

On July 24, Glasser greeted the Slicers at the Seoul airport. All 1,200 veterans and their guests from across the world arrived at the same time.

Glasser explained the lottery system by which the honored guests were chosen. He said at least one veteran o who served in Korea during the war - was chosen from each state after a long selection process.

Only 400 people from the United States were chosen, and Art still does not know who submitted his name.

The Federation of Korean Industries, the Korean government and the United Nations sponsored the celebration.

"We knew it was going to be big, but we had no idea of [how spectacular] it would be," Maddie said. "It was mind-boggling."

The couple was impressed by the reception they received from the South Korean people.

"Our bus would go through the town, and children would wave, older people would salute or bow," Maddie said. "People would stop and say, 'Thank you so much for [releasing us from communism].' They are so grateful."

While in Korea, the Slicers were treated like dignitaries. "The 1,200 veterans from 21 different United Nations countries were treated with reverence," Slicer said. "I never expected this."

As he showed off the itinerary, he said the 10-day trip was scheduled like a military exercise. "It was so well organized," he said.

The couple attended a ceremony at the National Cemetery and had an excellent view of a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial.

"It was beautiful. There were bands, flags, soldiers - the entire thing was perfectly choreographed," Slicer said. "We were given flowers to lay at the tomb of the unknown."

"It was so moving," Maddie said.

Honor and symbolism

They were shuttled by luxurious coach buses to the Grand Hyatt Hotel for a seven-course meal. Here, for the first time, they met Henry "Hank" Kissinger.

"Each table was special, and we were escorted to our seats," Slicer said. "Maddie could not sit in my seat - that place was set up for me. We had our own Korean military hostess who answered our questions and presented the veterans with medals."

The symbolic meaning behind an unoccupied table in the corner touched their hearts. The table, with its white tablecloth, black napkin, single lighted candle, red rose, sliver of lemon, inverted glass and empty chair was set up at each of the banquets and brought a lump to everyone's throat.

This was the Fallen Comrades Table in honor of those who died or were missing in action and could not join in the ceremony.

Slicer had another surprise during his trip. He was one of 55 veterans to receive a hand-written invitation to attend an intimate gathering at the Korean Ambassador's home where he and Maddie rubbed shoulders with four-star generals and their new friend Hank Kissinger.

Rising from the ashes

Slicer said he has been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for many years and never heard of anyone being invited back to the country that they liberated.

"When I left Korea in 1953, the city was left in shambles," Slicer said. "There was nothing left. There were no buildings more than two stories high."

Seoul is now a thriving city, with lush hotels, tall buildings, elaborate museums and memorials. He read the names engraved on a black marble wall inside a monument and found the name of an old high school friend who died during the conflict.

"When I went back last month, we were treated with respect and dignity," he said. "The South Koreans believe in their hearts that we liberated them and gave them the opportunity to have the freedom they have today. They are so proud of what they've done since the war."

Maddie said the Koreans wanted the veterans to come back and see what they've been able to accomplish. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, Seoul is a thriving city, and its people credit their liberators for this.

Tension continues

The Slicers went to the 38th parallel at Panmunjom for the 50th anniversary celebration.

Five Blackhawk helicopters flew overhead, reminding everyone that the border between North and South Korea is still a very dangerous place.

The armistice established a four-kilometer demilitarized zone near the 38th parallel. South Koreans are not allowed into North Korea and vice-versa.

There are seven layers of defenses between the two countries, comprised of razor wire, exploding walls and land mines.

Military personnel still face each other across the 4,000-yard demilitarized zone. "You can see them looking at one another through binoculars," Maddie said.

She was intimidated by the presence of a North Korean soldier, who maintained a fighting stance as he guarded the door leading into his country.

"If you breach the border, they'll shoot you," Slicer said. "The armistice is not an end to the war, it is a discussion that continues to this day."

A message from Korea

Among the gifts and medals - including the special Korean War Medal - Slicer received, he holds one item dear, because it has a message he can share with all Korean War Veterans.

The Ambassadors of Peace Proclamation reads:

"It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.

"We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our free nation.

"In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an ambassador for peace with every good wish of the People's Republic of Korea.

"Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come."

Maddie said, "We owe it to the families of veterans who could not attend this celebration. They need to know how much they are appreciated."

Slicer agreed. He said that veterans have to realize that there is a country in this world that appreciates the United States for coming to its assistance. "We are not forgotten in South Korea," he said.

©Amity Observer 2003 "