This is a bronze sculpture of an American soldier paying tribute to his fallen comrades after the Korean War which was waged from 1950 to 1953. It is often referred to as the Forgotten War because of the great conflict of WWII preceding it.  However, it was a bloody and difficult war resulting in an armistice rather than a mutual declaration to name the conflict as over. A demilitarized zone (DMZ) was created separating the north and the south from one another. It is the most heavily armed area in the world. As most know, this has been in the news of late as North and South Korea are attempting to put an official end to this debacle.

As with all wars, many civilians lost their lives in addition to the soldiers who sacrificed much. It saddens me that so many paid the ultimate price for a stalemate. At the same time, I am grateful for those who fought and sacrificed in behalf of freedom for half of the peninsula of Korea. Perhaps someday the north and south will unite as did Vietnam. The North is devoid of democracy and justice and the people live in a state of misery, ignorance and subjugation. My heart goes out to these citizens.

America is not a nation of innocence when it comes to military conflicts and of war. Blood is on our hands. I wish we were free from self-serving bloodshed such as what we caused upon our own Native Americans, African slaves and one another during our great Civil War. But, we have also sacrificed much to the betterment of all mankind by defending and promoting freedom whenever the call to arms was issued. Not all agree with each conflict. I certainly don’t, however, I support those whom answered the call to do what they think is right and for the furthering of democracy.

Man, regardless of nationality, is a self-serving being. I stand amazed at how some European nations remained neutral during the Nazi terror of WWII. In the Pacific theater of war all became enemies of a misguided empirical nation. I am grateful that my father and uncle, along with so many other young men and women from various countries gave themselves for this cause of freedom. Freedom for others and not always for their own peoples.

There is still much of the world in armed conflict. America’s best are still fighting and dying for freedom for others. Various nations are in extreme struggles just to keep their nation’s alive and safe. May we never forget those who sacrificed so much and are still doing so today. I encourage all to honor a vet or family member this weekend whether  he or she is abroad or on the home front. They are most deserving.  I am reminded that their sacrifices allow me to write this post and bask in freedom’s light.