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90-year-old Korean group visits peace memorial
A 90-year-old Korean organization visited the Korean Peace Memorial last Wednesday to conduct a peace memorial ceremony and pay tribute to Korean victims of World War II.
A little over 20 members of the South Korea-based Geun Woo Hwae and the local Korean community took part in the event in Marpi. In total, about 50 individuals were present at the ceremony, a small and intimate affair graced by the presence of Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang.
Apatang, who spoke at the ceremony, focused on the importance of the ceremony for both the organization and the Commonwealth. He said the memorial serves as a reminder of the terrible losses endured by both the Koreans and the indigenous Chamorro during the war over 70 years ago.
“We come together to honor and pray for the many soldiers and innocent civilians who perished during the war,” said Apatang.
He said the peace between South Korea and the Commonwealth is vital and should continue to be honored.
“We must never forget that we share one common belief despite our many differences,” Apatang said.
During the ceremony, prayers were offered and Apatang was presented with a rare medallion that, according to Korean Community president Jay Park, is of great value to Korea.
The Geun Woo Hwae service organization presented the medallion to both Apatang and Park for supporting the memorial service.
