| JULY 27, 2006............ fifty-three years ago the war of our youth came to a close. Not with bands playing in Korea, but with a lot of prayers giving thanks to Almight God that our War in Korea was at an end; hand-shakes and hugs all around, and perhaps, with a few beers and VO's. Top secret North Korean traffic (KCMB) was heavy those last few days, and continued for some time. But, most importantly, we thought about soon heading home....thank God. Seldom had 'OLDGLORY" shined so bright over the 326th CRC compound, where my comrades and I from Detachment D, 330th CRC were temporarily housed after evacuating our base on the East Coast of North Korea. We were forced to flee over the Inje Pass, and points South. July 27, 1953 was a good day...the war was over...Our Forgotten Victory was at hand....Praise the Lord of heaven and earth!!! I can still see that FLAG - OUR FLAG - "Long may she wave"! |
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| "I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is old Glory. I fly atop the worlds' tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, My colors a little truer, I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am saluted. I am loved - I am revered. I am respected - and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox; I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Seoul, Inchon, Pork Chop, Panmunjon and Khesan, Saigon and all Vietnam knew me. I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the not, dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed. I led my troups, I was dirty, battle worn and tired. But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of coutries I have helped set free. That does not hurt for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my own country. And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle...it hurts; But I shall overcome - for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. When I am flown at half-staff to honor my soldiers, Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.... I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!" |
| Please remember with pride your ASA service in Korea, Vietnam, Germany or wherever you served. Remember your comrades in arms. Pray for America, 'the land we love'! Remember 'AMERICA'S FORGOTTEN VICTORY" in Korea... and that 'cease fire signing' on July 27, 1953. God bless you all. See you at our ASA Korea 11th Annual Reunion in October 2006. Rev. Charles Knappenberger, Chaplain ASA KOREA |