A Return Like Home: UN veterans honored in South Korea

South Korea recently hosted a group of Korean War veterans to commemorate their selflessness and sacrifice in defending democracy here on the peninsula.

Kim Jung-sil has this report.

They were in their early twenties when they first arrived in Korea: young men in uniform, sent to fight in a country they had never seen.

Seven decades later, some of them have returned.

55 guests from 19 countries are taking part in South Korea's "Re-Visit Korea, Re-View Korea" program.

Among them: six veterans of the Korean War, their families, and delegates from veterans' associations.

As part of the six-day program, participants visited the War Memorial of Korea ahead of the official commemoration ceremony on Sunday.

"I came here in 1952, actually my experience in the war was as a tank driver. We had to defend that place because otherwise the Chinese communists would overrun and come back to Seoul. That was our job."

Now 91, Yamashiroya was joined by his grandson, who reflected on his grandfather's influence on their family.

"He's a really strong and tough person mentally and he's really ingrained that in our family and everything he has done. It's definitely an honor learning more about the culture of Korea the history behind the war hearing about their impact it means a lot."

"I'm so happy for the Korean people because they persevered and built success for themselves."

While some veterans were able to return, others could not.

Sunday's ceremony was held for UN Forces Participation Day: South Korea's official day to honor foreign veterans of the Korean War.

U.S. Army Corporal Fred B. McGee was recognized with the country's highest military honor.

His daughter accepted the medal on his behalf.

"What you've done here this past week has been highly commendable. It's above and beyond anything that I expected. I just celebrate the Korean government and the Korean people for all they've done for the Korean war veterans."

The medal was presented by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who also addressed the ceremony.

"To protect the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea, 1.98 million UN troops stood alongside the Korean people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

For the veterans and families who visited this time, the trip offered not only commemoration, but connection.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.