More and more natural disasters are occurring around the earth, including the recent floods in Korea, the earthquakes in Japan, the heat wave in the southern part of the United States and volcanic eruption in Iceland. Though a terrible turn of events, as many, if not more, manmade disasters have occurred throughout the world¡¯s history; better known as WAR, both economic and military.
One of those ¡®Wars¡¯ took place on June 25th, 1950 on the fertile soil known as the peninsula of Korea; the beginning of the Korean War. In North America it is often referred to as ¡®The Forgotten War¡±, but has it really been forgotten? From a Canadian¡¯s perspective, when the war began on June 25, 1950, some 32,000 Canadians were deployed and served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, over 500 Canadians died.
Sometimes, as a Canadian professor teaching in South Korea, I believe some South Koreans, especially the youth, have forgotten the sacrifices many members of the global community made so they could receive the gift of freedom. Surely I recognize there are commemorative events held in South Korea and the rest of the world, but are the sentiments carried over in our daily lives?
From Pocheon to Jejudo, this wonderful land has become home for many people from around the world. I am not looking for a Utopian society. However, I hope we do not forget the sacrifices that were made and we recognize that all of us are here to help each other grow in understanding the best of each countries culture. In Canada, Koreans lay claim to an invaluable place in Canadian history. Today, their efforts to preserve and promote their language and traditions continue to add vibrancy to Canada's cultural mosaic