BYUNG J. “BJAY” PAK (2018)

Georgia Korean War veterans remembered at state capitol Staff Writer: Athens Banner-Herald

Korean War memorial dedicated for Hall veterans By Charles Phelps cphelps@gainesvilletimes.com POSTED: October 27, 2012 11:59 p.m.

총 10개 기관이 화환 전해 “한미 동맹 더욱 강화돼야” 자유민주주의를 토대로 한·미 양국의 동맹 강화를 추진하고 있는 한미우호협회(회장 박선근)가 2024 한국전(6·25) 정전협정 체결 71주년 헌화식을 26일 둘루스 소재 1818 클럽에서 진행했다. 마이클 박 한미우호협회 디렉터의 사회로 진행된 이날 행사에는 100여명이 참석했다. 한인 인사들 중에서는 박선근 회장을 비롯해 김석우 주애틀랜타대한민국 부총영사, 홍승원 미동남부한인회연합회장 등이 참석해 개회사 및 격려사를 전했다. 이외에도 래리 앨리스 전(前) 주한미군 제2보병사단 부사단장, 드웨인 윌슨 조지아주 육군 방위군 부관참모, 케빈 밀러 주한미군전우회(KDVA) 조지아 지회장, 마이클 레트 조지아 주상원의원 등이 환영사를 전했으며, 크리스 카 조지아주 법무장관은 기조연설자로 참여했다. 행사가 시작되기 전에는 대한민국 정부, 한국전 참전용사회(KWVA) 애틀랜타 챕터 및 게인즈빌 챕터, 조지아주(주상원, 주 법무장관, 부관 참모), 미동남부한인회연합회, 현대자동차, 미국위문협회(USO), 주한미군전우회, 애틀랜타 한인회 명의로 증정된 화환을 각 기관의 대표자들이 전달했다. 작년 행사까지는 참석했으나 노환으로 별세해 이날 행사에는 함께하지 못한 진 메릴 듀랜스 한국전 참전용사에 대한 묵념의 시간을 가진 박선근 회장은 개회사를 통해 “한국전 당시 8살이었던 저는 절단된 수많은 시체들이 굴러다니던 참혹한 모습을 기억한다”고 전하며 울먹였다. 또 “한국의 자유를 위해 싸워준 미군 참전용사들에게 감사함을 표하기 위해 ‘땡큐 아메리카! (THANK YOU AMERICA!)’ 문구가 적힌 전광판 광고를 전국 주요 도시에 설치했다”며 “한미우호협회의 뜻에 동참해 후원해준 현대자동차에게도 감사하다”고 말했다. 기조연설을 전한 카 조지아주 법무장관은 “한미 양국은 (국가를 위해) 희생하고 피 흘린 수많은 개인들이 있었기에 세워지고 강력해질 수 있었다”며 “한미 동맹은 한-조지아주의 긴밀한 경제 협력 등을 통해 새로운 길을 개척했다”고 전했다. 이에 미군 한국전 참전용사들을 대표해 답사를 전한 노먼 보드 KWVA 애틀랜타 지회장과 데럴 파이팅 KWVA 게인즈빌 지회장은 “한미 관계가 앞으로도 발전하기를 바란다”며 “지금까지 잊지 않고 기억해줘서 고맙다”고 말했다. 한편 본 행사 직후 모든 참석자들은 한국전쟁 당시 행방불명자(MIA)들과 전쟁 포로(POW)들을 기리고 기억하는 행사를 가졌다. 한국전쟁은 김일성의 북한 공산군이 선전포고 없이 기습 남침해 발발한 전쟁이다. 당시 김일성은 민병대를 위시한 중공군(당시 명칭 중국인민지원군)과 소련의 직간접적 도움을 받아 평화를 파괴하는 불법 침략 행위를 자행하며 수많은 행방불명자들과 전쟁 포로들을 만들었다. reference: https://atlantachosun.com/news/404551

한미우호협회 26일 헌화 및 감사오찬 "참전용사 희생 덕에 오늘 한국 이뤄"

The United States and the Republic of Korea are allies with a long history of shared sacrifice. In a call to defend freedom and democracy abroad, 1.8 million Americans joined the fight to protect our Korean Peninsula allies from the communist regimes in North Korea and The People’s Republic of China. In 1953, after 3 years of violent combat and millions of casualties, an armistice was signed by representatives of the United States, The People’s Republic of China, and North Korea. The armistice made possible the exchange of prisoners of war as well as an opportunity to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Almost 70 years later, that settlement still has not been reached, and the Korean Peninsula remains divided along the 38th parallel. Yet, the Republic of Korea has grown into a thriving, vibrant country, and the enduring relationship between our two nations has flourished through decades of peace. Today, we take this opportunity to honor, remember, and pay tribute to the Korean War veterans who fought to defend those universal values and freedoms that the people of South Korea enjoy today. American service members, along with our United Nations counterparts, fought through some of the most unforgiving terrain and weather conditions on the Korean Peninsula. Through searing summer heat, bitter winter cold, and torrential rains, our forces fought with relentless courage, resilience, and perseverance. In the mountains, valleys, and rice paddies, the battles fought and lives lost in Inchon, the Chosin Reservoir, Heartbreak Ridge, and the Pusan Perimeter, we remember their valor. Earlier this year, I had the great privilege of awarding the Medal of Honor to Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., USA (Ret.), a legend in the Army Ranger community, for his extraordinary selflessness and heroism during the Korean War in the Battle of Hill 205. His story, and those of all our veterans of the Korean War, remind every American the high price of freedom. We shall never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. On the National Mall at the Korean War Memorial, a Wall of Remembrance will be established to further honor and venerate the more than 36,000 American lives lost during the war, along with more than 7,000 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army soldiers who were killed in action. As a grateful Nation, we owe it to the families of the fallen to memorialize, commemorate, and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our Nation — and to uphold and honor the democratic values for which they fought. We must also always recognize the patriotism and service of our veterans and their families and caregivers, and uphold our sacred obligation to provide the support they need when they come home. Our commitment to protecting peace on the Korean Peninsula has endured and grown in the ensuing decades. We are immensely proud of our historic friendship and the trust we share with the Republic of Korea. The service and sacrifices of both our nations have left an indelible determination to sustain peace and promote regional stability. Training side-by-side with the Korean military, our Armed Forces abroad help keep the watch while proudly upholding the legacy of those serving before them. Our partnership remains crucial to maintaining peace and stability today, and to expanding economic growth in a critical region of the world. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2021, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War Veterans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. reference : https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/26/a-proclamation-on-national-korean-war-veterans-armistice-day-2021/

July each year since 1993, American Korean Friendship Society held Korean War Armistice Agreement Day Commemoration to remember the 740 Georgia soldiers took supreme sacrifices to save South Korean’s lives and their freedom during Korean War. American soldiers and soldiers from 15 other nations under United Nation’s flag joined the war, fought and saved millions of Koreans lives and their freedom. However, the cost was enormous, more than 36,000 US troops killed in the War. We are saddened and forever grateful! South Korea, once the second poorest nation on Earth in 1953, advanced as 9th largest economy of the world and one of top 10 trading partners Of the US. South Koreas’ recent economic history became a role model case to many under developed countries. It could never happen without assistance of the United States and American peoples’ generous support. The alliance between the US and Korea is strong and strengthening each year during last 74 years. Americans should be very proud as Korean people are grateful to Americans. We thank to all guests and dignitaries served on the program this morning. All guest speakers including Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Georgia Adjutant General Richard Wilson, and specially all Korean War veterans, Norman Board and Darrell “Hollywood “ Whiting, presidents of Korean War Veterans Association local chapters. Sunny K Park Below part is the publication by georgiatimes.com https://gasiantimes.com/metro-asian-news/2024/07/26/georgias-korean-war-veterans-honored-with-wreath-laying-ceremony/ Duluth, July 26, 2024 – Atlanta’s Korean community commemorates the sacrifices of U.S. War Veterans in their services during the Korean War at a wreath-laying ceremony at Club 1818. Ten sets of wreaths are presented in honor of the sacrifices of Korean War Veterans. The annual event is organized by Sunny Park and the American Korean Friendship Society. Over 75,000 Georgians fought in the Korean War and 740 Georgians were killed in action with 1040 wounded. 158 soldiers are still unaccounted for, according to the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Among the dignitaries who attended and provided remarks at the ceremony including Steven Jahng, Vice President, Hyundai Motor Group, General (R) Larry Ellis, past Chairman of American Korean Friendship Society, Hon. Seok Woo Kim, Deputy Consul General, Republic of Korea, Major General Richard “DeWayne” Wilson, Adjutant general, State of Georgia, Hon. Michael Rhett, Chairman, American Korea Friendship Caucus, and Kevin Miller, President, Georgia Chapter, Korean Defence Veterans Association. Chris Carr, Attorney General of State of Georgia delivers the keynote remark at the luncheon ceremony. Mr. Norman Board, President of the Korean War Veterans Association, provided remarks and responses from Korean War Veterans. The American Korean Friendship Society is a non-profit, non-political civic organization founded in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Society is to celebrate and strengthen the unique relationship between the peoples of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America.

American Korean Friendship Society recognize Americans of Korean heritage for their volunteer works and efforts for Korean American community's advancement with Lifetime Achievement Award each year. The recognition is to appreciate their selfless contributions and encourage other members of the community to also volunteer for the community. AKFS Board unanimously honors Dr. Edward Chang (장태환), professor, the University of California at Riverside for 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. AKFS recognize Dr. Chang's remarkable contributions and voicing tirelessly for the Korean American community in the past nearly three decades. The Award comes with $5,000 prize from Good Neighboring Foundation which to contribute to a nonprofit organization of the Awardee's choice. Dr. Chang is Professor of Ethnic Studies and founding Director of the Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies at the University of California at Riverside. He earned his B.A. (1982) in Sociology and Ph.D. (1990) in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and M.A. (1984) in Asian American Studies at UCLA. Dr. Chang is author of eight books, seven edited volumes, and numerous articles. Professor Chang has studied and been a voice of the Korean community for more than 25 years. He is a leading expert on the Los Angeles Riots, race relations between Korean and African American communities, and Korean Americans. Professor Chang lectured on the topics of Korean-African American Relations and the Los Angeles civil unrest and its impact on the Korean American community at many universities around the country.

AKFS presents the New American Hero Award (NAHA) each year to Americans of Korean ancestry who have made a significant and noteworthy contributions to the United States and have made the immigrant community proud. Immigrants from Korea and Asian countries are well contributed ethnic group in America but seldom recognized as patriot as actual. Since 2005, has recognized thirteen (13) American patriots of Korean heritage with the NAHA. The Board of Directors of the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS USKorea.org) honors former United States Ambassador Sung Yong Kim for 2024 New American Hero Award. The Award comes with $25,000 prize that will be presented to an American non-profit organization of the honoree's choice on March 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. AKFS recognize Ambassador Kim's remarkable contributions made to the United States as a senior diplomat. Ambassador Kim's patriotism and passionate services for the United States enhanced the status of all Americans immigrated from Korea and Asian countries particularly. Sung Yong Kim (김성용) is an American diplomat of Korean ancestry serve the United States as the US Special Representative for North Korea Policy since 2021, and previously from 2014 to 2016. He has also served as the acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. In 2008, Kim was appointed by President George W. Bush as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-party talks. He later served in the Obama and Trump administrations as the Ambassador to South Korea from 2011 to 2014 and as the Ambassador to the Philippines from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Kim was appointed by President Donald Trump as Ambassador to Indonesia. Ambassador Kim retired November 2023 and joined Hyundai Automobile Group as senior advisor.