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Paying Tribute

People all over the world, who love peace and freedom, may pay tribute and give thanks for the sacrifice made by the fallen.

Tributary Message

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Dear Korean War Veterans

  • WriterHareen Oh
  • Date2020-10-03 22:46:47
  • Count792

Dear Korean War Veterans
Hello, my name is Hareen Oh, an 18 year old student living in South Korea. It was really hot just a few weeks ago, but the weather suddenly changed and it’s a bit chilly now. The leaves are starting to turn orange, and it feels like autumn is coming. This means 2020 is almost over, and I feel like I haven’t done anything! Due to the Coronavirus, I could only go to school every other week, I had to take my academy classes online, and I couldn't meet my friends that often. At school, students have to check their temperature every few hours, and we can’t take off our masks except for lunch time. When we eat lunch, we can take off our masks but the seats are all apart so we can’t sit with our friends, and talking is restricted. Having to live like this is uncomfortable, and wearing a mask makes me very sleepy so it’s difficult to concentrate during classes. Also, before the pandemic I used to study in an evening-self-study program at school with my friends. But now that’s canceled so I have to study at home, which I don’t prefer because it’s harder to concentrate. All of our school’s fun events like the school festival and sports day have been canceled as well. I was really looking forward to them, so it was disappointing but I know it’s for the best. I think Korea is doing a pretty good job at social distancing, since everyone wears masks and tries to minimize their time outside. I am also doing my best by wearing my mask all the time and washing my hands as often as I can. Almost every building requires people to write their name and phone number on an information sheet, check their temperature in case of a fever, and sanitize their hands before going in. I think this is a good way to check if someone is infected, and to track people who have contacted those tested positive. Along with this, many restaurants and cafes have introduced take out and delivery services so people don’t eat together. Everything was uncomfortable and awkward at first, but nowadays it seems so natural. Rather, I think going back to my usual “ordinary” life without masks and online classes will feel weird. Although I think it may feel weird, I truly wish the pandemic would end. As months have passed since the first outbreak of the coronavirus, so many people have died, and much more have been infected. It hurts to see the rising death toll on the news, and I am worried about the people in other countries with fewer masks. I hope you and your family are safe from the virus, and have plenty of masks and hand sanitizers to protect yourself. As much as I am concerned with your health, I am also so thankful for your taking part in the Korean War. I know it wouldn’t have been an easy choice, but you still stood strong for my country. Thanks to you, Korea has become a strong country, and the people can look towards a bright future even in a situation like this. We all remember your efforts and are grateful for your actions. Thank you again, and please take care. You fought so courageously in the Korean War 70 years ago, and I know you can fight through this pandemic just as well.
Sincerely, Hareen Oh