| KOREA July 27, 1953-2007 Well it will soon be here, that special day to remember again and to thank Almighty God.........that day is, July 27, 2007, fifty-fours years since the cease fire that stopped the shooting war in Korea....a day many of us remember. I have framed on my office wall a copy of the Pacific Stars and Stripes, Korean Edition, dated July 28, 1953 with those two-inch banner headlines, "TRUCE SIGNED". I brought this home with me and treasure it still. As we know that terrible war (not a 'police action') in Korea has taught all generations since 1953 that "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE" - freedom for all people affected by war comes at a bitter price, and that price is usually paid in blood, sweat, tears, and disaster. On July 27, 2007 I will gather with fellow members of KWVA Chapter # 38 for a service at the Philadelphia, PA Korean War Memorial. We will lay a wreath in honor of the 605 names etched upon the memorial representing those KIA from the 5-county greater Philadelphia area. As Chaplain, I will lead the group in prayer and remembrance...and then TAPS will sound echoing across the vast Penns Landing area near the Delaware River. For those of us who were in Korea during the war, July 27 has a special significance. Not only is it a day to rejoice in a way, but also a day to recall all the wonderful buddies from across our land we shared time with - good times and not so good times - friends for a life time. Many of my 'buddies' still share time with me as members of ASA KOREA. And, thank God, I have found many 'new' friends I hold so dear in ASA KOREA. So take some time on July 27....treasure your memories; contact old and new friends. Encourage others to join with us as ASA KOREA. Plan to attend our 12th annual reunion in Chicago in October....Get to know what GOOD is!! God bless America and its Korea Veterans! God bless the people of South Korea who hold our service in their country so precious! God bless the memory of all those KIA, POW and MIA! May we continue to honor and remember them not only on June 25 or July 27, but everytime we pray and meet for reunion. I sincerely believe in all my heart that Almighty God in His mercy and love has brought us together for a purpose: to do unto others as we would have others do unto us.....to love our neighbor as we love ourselves...to bless the Lord with all our soul....this is the Law and the Gospel. God be with you all. Rev. Charles "Preacher" Knappenberger, Chaplain, ASA Korea |
 |