| MESSAGE FOR JULY 27, 2004 |
| REMEMBERING JULY 27,1953 Two score and eleven years the shooting war in Korea came to an end. The 2 1/2" Banner Headline on the front of the Korean Edition, Pacific Stars and Stripes dated July 28, 1953 reads TRUCE SIGNED - KOREAN FIGHTING ENDS; date-lined:"Panmunjom, July 27", the lead article states in part, "Truce delegates this morning quietly wound up their two years of peace-waging and rang down the curtain on the 37 month-old shooting phase of the bloody war in Korea. The Formal End to the war was wrapped up in 10 minutes of document signing." The article goes on to state that the signing began at 10:01 a.m. and was completed at 10:11 a.m. Lt. Gen. William Harrison signed for the United Nations and Gen. Nam II for North Korea. The cease fire would officially take effect at 10:00 p.m. The Armistice was signed! War was over! Hallelujah!! The ASA personnel in Korea performed their duty well. Our training received at Ft. Devens, Vint Hill, Monterey, Two-Rock Ranch and other postings paid its dividends. Friendships formed in tents and bunkers are still remembered with pride, and the soldiers' love for one another will never be forgotten. Korea is "THE FORGOTTEN VICTORY", and we were part of that great experience. We keep this 'victory' alive as more than 600 of us covenant together as members of ASAKOREA. The poet Edward Goeggler wrote, "Over the hill lies a beautiful valley, but you have to climb that hill to see it." During the 37-month shooting war in Korea, nearly 37,000 GI's climbed bloody hills in Korea and now have entered God's beautiful valley of eternal rest. Perhaps, the 8,100 still listed as MIA and unaccounted for have joined them. Nearly 120,000 Americans suffered wounds in body and mind. These fellow service personnel need to be remembered as well. Our Father God, we pray for Your peace to come into this troubled world, Keep us ever aware of the needs of others. Keep us true to our faith and to each other. Protect those who struggle to overcome the evils in your Earth, and care for the innocent victims of man's foolishness. Keep us in constant fellowship as "ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE." We commend to Your eternal keeping comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice; heal the broken bodies and disturbed minds of the wounded; bless and strenghten the brave souls who seek peace and good-will among all people. Guide us, O Thou Great Jehovah, and lead us into Your paths of righteousness during our journey of life, and make us fit for Your Kingdom. Dera Lord, bless and keep and cause Your face to shine upon us, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God. Amen and Amen. Rev. Charles "Preacher" Knappenberger, Chaplain, ASA KOREA PS:Let's get together September 30 - October 3, 2004 in REUNION at Hunt Valley, MD Have a safe trip and Praise the Lord of Heaven and Earth..................Preacher |