Paying their respects: South Korean students visit Des Plaines American Legion Post
On a trip to the U.S. focused on American culture and history, South Korean High School students visited American Legion Post 36 in Des Plaines Wednesday to honor those who served and to learn about the Korean War.
Post Commander Tom Strossner said the 19 students, all boys, and three advisers made the stop to hear the stories of veterans and to ask questions. Four of the American Legion Post members served in post-war South Korea, Strossner said.
American Legion Post members gave each of the students a certificate, a medal and snacks.
U.S. troops fought in the Korean War to defend South Korea, which was invaded by the Communist-led North Korea on June 25, 1950.
“The students came to pay their respects and get to know the American veterans, and wanted to thank them for all their sacrifices and contributions to (Korean) society,” said Jin Lee, a Maine Township High School District 207 school board member who organized the visit.
Lee said the trip is part of an effort to promote global education and friendship.
The students also visited Maine South and Maine East high schools Wednesday, and were to visit a Schaumburg manufacturing facility after their stop at the American Legion.
“This will benefit students on both sides of the culture,” Lee said. “All these students have never been to the United States and they want to learn about the American culture.”
Lee said students in South Korea don't generally understand the Korean War, even though they will undergo mandatory service in their country's military when their studies are complete.
American Legion Post member Ron White, who served with the U.S. military in post-war South Korea during the early 1960s, told the students that their country had not yet recovered from the damage inflicted by the war when he was stationed there, but he is amazed when he sees images of the modernized society it has become.
“I am so happy that other people like myself, those who served during combat time, those who served with me, and those who served after me helped you have a country that you can be so proud of today,” White said.