By Honorary Reporter Reinard De Guzman from Philippines
Photos = Reinard De Guzman

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement that ended fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on July 27 hosted its annual Revisit Korea Program for veterans from the 22 United Nations member countries that sent troops. 

My grandfather Bonifacio E. Talde was one of two veterans from the Philippines invited. They both served on the 10th Battalion Combat Team of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.

An event to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War's armistice agreement is held on July 27 at the Busan Cinema Center.

My grandfather was deployed to Korea on Sept. 15, 1950, prior to the U.S. landing on Incheon. He stayed until the Battle of Yuldong in April 1951 and returned home in August that year due to acute appendicitis.

After receiving the ministry's invitation to Korea, he was initially hesitant but eventually grew eager to join. I'm fluent in Korean and look after my grandfather in the Philippines, so I accompanied him as his caregiver.

On how it felt to be back in Korea after 72 years, my grandfather said he couldn't believe his eyes. "Incheon is so different than it was during Operation Chromite (the invasion's code name)," he said, adding that he was amazed by the airport and skyscrapers.

Attending the ceremony were veterans of the United Nations military and their families as well as Korean VIPs like President Yoon Suk Yeol.

I was deeply moved to see my grandfather receive the Ambassador for Peace Medal, crying tears of joy. I was never more proud of him and highly impressed by the love and respect of Koreans and welcoming the veterans with enthusiastic applause.

My grandfather Bonifacio E. Talde receives the Ambassador for Peace Medal.

We also spoke with other veterans at the ceremony. One called Koreans "children at heart" in the way they show pure appreciation for things words cannot describe.

As part of the program, we visited the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom. My grandfather didn't recognize the place at first but after I told him that North Korea was on the other side, he grew silent. 

After a while, he began telling me stories from the war. At the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Korea, he said he was touched by how Koreans honor and respect those who died during the war.

The program ended on July 28 with an amazing tribute to all members of U.N. allied forces at Lotte World Tower in Seoul.

My grandfather visits the U.N. truce village of Panmunjeom.

Visiting Korea with my grandfather was a memorable experience, and because of my connection with the country, I feel like a Korean at heart. My grandfather is proud of me being an Honorary Reporter and hopes Korean youth continue honoring their heroes and protecting their nation's freedom.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.