Sharing a timeless song with the Filipino heroes of the Korean War

“I do not know the dignity of his birth, but I do know the glory of his death.” These are the words inscribed at the gate of the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery), leading to the Korean War Memorial Pylon. This was the first place I visited on the day of my arrival in this country as Korean ambassador. Paying tribute to the fallen heroes was a solemn reminder of the deep-seated gratefulness of the Korean people for our Filipino friends during the darkest moment of our modern history.

For those who do not know the background, the inscription was uttered by General Douglas MacArthur who left an indelible mark in both our nations’ history. The arrival of Gen. MacArthur in Leyte in 1944 signaled the beginning of Philippine liberation during World War II. Gen. MacArthur’s Incheon Landing in 1950 was a Korean version of the Leyte Landing. The amphibious landing of UN forces in Incheon under his command reversed the tide of the Korean War by repelling the invading North Korean army.

The stories of this war hero represent a shared history between our two countries. However, what is more meaningful is the glory of those unsung heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and peace. As demonstrated during the Oct. 20 celebration of the Leyte Landing, it is our responsibility to remember and preserve the heroism of war veterans.

In Korea, such valor is honored in Busan in an annual event known as the “Turn Toward Busan International Memorial Ceremony.” Every year, a one-minute alarm is sounded on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to serve as a moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices of UN soldiers during the Korean War. The UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea is the only UN memorial cemetery in the world. Upon the siren call of the United Nations in 1950, more than 7,000 soldiers of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) were dispatched to join the UN forces.

Recently, I met a 96-year-old Filipino veteran of the Korean War. During his homecoming visit to the Philippines from L.A., United States, I welcomed him and his family members at the Korean embassy. His recollection was touching, so much so that it served as a moment to reflect on the value of