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Ambassadors for Peace The United Nations Peacekeeping Korean War Memorial Federation (UPKMF)
April 8 , 2006 - Turkey “Dr. Yang and Archbishop Stallings bring gratitude and gifts to Turkish veterans of the Korean War” By Ken Owens Representing the United Nations Peace Forces of the Korean War Memorial Federation (UPKMF), Dr. Chang Shik Yang and Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr, led a small delegation to Istanbul, Turkey, on April 8th, 2007, to meet with 46 Turkish soldiers who voluntarily, with soldiers from 20 other United Nations countries, fought against communist forces in the Korean War.
Dr. Yang and Archbishop Stallings brought greetings of gratitude and gifts to the aging veterans who had sacrificed much in saving Korea from being overrun by North Korean and Chinese military aggression from 1950 to 1953. Upon arrival at the Veterans Hall, the equivalent to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in America, the veterans, dressed in suits and displaying their hard earned medals, greeted us with big smiles and firm handshakes. Dr. Yang was overwhelmed by their greetings.
Inside the hall, we saw one wall that displayed photos from the time that these old veterans were young soldiers in Korea. As we began the meeting, the chairman of the Turkish veterans, Ahmet Kendigel, greeted us all. As the veterans looked on, he gave Dr. Yang and one of our delegation special flowers to officially welcome us.
Dr. Yang then addressed the veterans, telling the old soldiers how grateful Reverend and Mrs. Moon and the people of Korea were to them for everything they had done to save Korea. Then, in the middle of his address, Dr. Yang gave these heroes a tremendous salute, which the soldiers answered back with their own. Dr. Yang then heartfully gave his flowers to one of the veterans to thank all of them. He continued in addressing them about the purpose for UPKMF and its mission to the 21 nations who participated in the war.
Members of the UPKMF delegation pinned the UPKMF pin to each veteran. Afterwards, the veterans received gifts of a UPKMF flag, a booklet, and a Korean fan. Dr. Yang then showed a movie of UPKMF activities and of the first UPKMF tour, in which representative veterans from all the nations participated.
Archbishop Stallings then spoke to the veterans on how much he admired them because they had gone to Korea as young boys and came back men who lived for the sake of others. He also told them that even though the war was over 50 years ago, they still looked very young and strong.
Several veterans stood up to tell Dr. Yang and Archbishop Stallings their thoughts and feelings. One old soldier said that this was the first time in 50 years that he felt appreciated for what he had done and was proud. Another veteran slowly stood up and said that if Korea was invaded again, he would quickly go and fight again for the Korean people. One other veteran wanted to know when the next UPKMF tour would be to Korea so that he could attend. Many of the Turkish veterans sat smiling and proud throughout the ceremony, for they still have very clear memories of their experiences from 50 years before when they were young men in battle.
(Imam Jodeh then addressed the veterans on how proud he was of them, that when he had first moved to America he wanted to join the army and fight the communists in Vietnam; communism was the enemy of Islam because communism had declared itself the enemy of God. He then, with his great smile, gave his flowers to the wife of the chairman.)
At the close of the meeting, a toast of juice was given by Dr. Yang with all the veterans. Afterwards, we all went outside for a commemorative photo. As we departed, everyone shook hands with beautiful smiles, and more photos were taken.
Dr. Yang and the rest of the delegation realized the importance of the nation of Turkey to the Middle East region. Dr. Yang has plans to return to continue the work of UPKMF here and bringing peace to the Middle East.
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