Dear brothers and sisters -

From July 24-29, the 2nd UPKMF (United Nations Peace Forces of the Korean War Memorial Federation) Convention was held in Korea. 200 Korean War veterans from the 16 nations that comprised the UN force at that time participated, including 28 from America. Also participating were some of the "senior advisers" assigned to each of the 16 nations, including: Dr. Yang (Turkey), Dr. Tom Walsh (USA), Tomiko Duggan (Colombia), Frank LaGrotteria (Belgium), Mr. Yoshida (Greece), Howard Self (South Africa), and Jim Flynn (Ethiopia).

For a good number of the participating Korean War veterans, this was their first opportunity to return to Korea since their wartime experience. They were all moved to see the phenomenal transformation of the Republic of Korea from the devastation of the war to the modern society and economic powerhouse of today. And still today, the Korean people convey their heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifice of those who fought in the Korean War.

The convention participants kept a busy schedule during their five days in Korea. Highlights included:

a.. A day traveling in Seoul and north - memorial ceremony at the Korea National Cemetery, and a visit to the DMZ. At the DMZ, the veterans were hosted for a special program and luncheon at a ROK Army base. It was quite moving to see young Korean soldiers sincerely hosting and guiding these old veterans on a tour of their facilities. The group also visited an observation post right on the DMZ border.

b.. UPKMF participants were also treated to a congratulatory banquet at the Universal Arts Center (formerly called the Little Angles Performing Arts Center), complete with a heart-warming performance by the Little Angels.

c.. The UPKMF Convention 2007 was also co-sponsored by UPF. During sessions on two mornings of the conference, UPF shared its core principles through presentations by Dr. Tom Walsh, Jack Corley, Howard Self, and Jim Flynn. In addition, important context and perspective was given through the presentations of Dr. Chang Shik Yang, Chairman of UPF North America, and Dr. Song, Chairman of UPF Europe. These presentations were well-received, and added an important dimension of internal content to the program.

d.. The veterans also journeyed south to Busan for a day trip. All participants boarded the KTX high speed train for the nearly 3 hour trip to Busan (very similar to an Amtrak trip on the Northeast Corridor between New York and Washington). After a wonderful luncheon in Busan, the group visited the United Nations Memorial and Cemetery there. This was a moving experience, and the veterans were able to visit the graves of some of their comrades, whose final resting place is there in Busan. There is also a stirring "Wall of Rememberance", listing the names of all of those who gave their lives in Korea. It is quite striking to see the lists; while the sacrifice from each of the 16 nations is highly significant, it is very dramatic to see panel after panel after panel of American names, listed by state.

e.. On the final day of the convention, Dr. Bo Hi Pak gave a stirring presentation about his experiences during the Korean War, how he committed his life to God at that time, and how he came to understand the importance of the ministry of our founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon. It was so great that Dr. Pak could join this special conference, and his presentation was as powerful and moving as ever.

f.. The grand finale of the UPKMF Convention was a trip to the Cheon Jeong Peace Palace for a special banquet with the Founders. This was an unforgettable conclusion to an incredible week, as Father delivered the Peace Message (#13) with energy and enthusiasm, adding commentary and wisdom to text for more than two and a half hours.

As participants departed, they were treated to a very special gift of ginseng to help them with health and long life. Through all the visits and sessions, as we talked with these veterans who responded in their youth to the call of duty, we were reminded of the foundation of noble sacrifice upon which God's providence has been able to advance. It is that spirit of noble sacrifice that must honored, appreciated and carried on today as we work to realize God's dream of a world of true and lasting peace.

Sincerely,

Jim Flynn

Attached is an article "Free from prison and certain death," from The Graybeards – Official publication of the Korean War Veterans Association (USA May-June 2007 issue which reports on the UN forces liberating Hungnam prison camp, where one of the prisoners was Sun Myung Moon.