“Saehan, it’s already been 32 years since I broke up with you. When our parents die, we bury them in the mountains, and when our children die, we bury them in our hearts. The old saying goes, I now understand the deep meaning of these words. My father is now in his mid-80s, his hair is gray, his back is bent, and his gait is slow. He is carrying you, who is over 50, in his heart, but your body is so heavy that I don’t know what to do. In the future, when my dad goes to heaven and you happily hold his hand, I want to hold you in my arms. I hope you live peacefully in heaven. “Son, I love you.”
Jeon Tae-woong, the father of the late private Jeon Sae-han, who enlisted in 1991 and died in the line of duty that year, said this through ‘Father’s Letter’ at the 1st Military Police Day commemoration ceremony held at the Daejeon National Cemetery Memorial Square in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon on the morning of the 26th. . According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Jeon wrote about 900 letters over the 30 years since his son died in the line of duty and placed them at the grave or placed them in the ‘Heavenly Mailbox’ at the Daejeon National Cemetery.
A representative of the bereaved family sheds tears while attending the ceremony commemorating the Day of Respect for Military Personnel who died in the Line of Duty held at the Daejeon National Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon on the 26th. Newsis
A representative of the bereaved family sheds tears while attending the ceremony commemorating the Day of Respect for Military Personnel who died in the Line of Duty held at the Daejeon National Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon on the 26th. Newsis
Jeon Tae-woong, father of the late Jeon Sae-han. KTV National Broadcasting Capture
Starting this year, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs commemorates the fourth Friday of every April as the national memorial day, ‘Fighting Military Police Day,’ to commemorate young people who died while performing their military service duties. The reason the anniversary was designated in April is to comfort the bereaved families who lost family members ahead of May, which is Family Month.
There are currently about 16,000 military police officers who have died in the line of duty. Prime Minister Han Deok-soo said at the commemoration ceremony that day, “It is the basic responsibility of the nation to repay the dedication of the military and police with the highest respect.” He added, “The Republic of Korea will not forget the young people who loved their country and people with a unique sense of duty.”
My dear son, the spring of April comes again this year without fail, and the creatures that had been cowering in the long cold of winter are digging through the frozen ground, bowing their heads in a gentle manner, and buds are sprouting. Even now, when I see a soldier in military uniform on the street, my heart sinks and I cannot come to my senses as if I were seeing you. The memories of the time I spent with you still come back to me. When you entered high school and asked your mom to buy you shoes and a jacket, she scolded you and told you to study hard and I really resent you. If you were only going to live together for 20 years, it would have been better if you had never been born. Why do you break my heart like this? Even though I regretted and regretted what happened at that time, my father was very self-righteous and stingy. How many things did you want to wear and do at that age? If Dad had praised your actions and given you everything you wanted just once when he was alive, my heart wouldn’t have been as heartbroken as it is now. During fragrant strawberry season or fresh grape season, and whenever I eat delicious food, I think of you and can’t bring myself to enjoy it. Saehan, it’s already been 32 years since I broke up with you. When our parents die, we bury them in the mountains, and when our children die, we bury them in our hearts. The old saying goes, I now understand the deep meaning of these words. My father is now in his mid-80s, his hair is gray, his back is bent, and his gait is slow. He is carrying you, who is over 50, in his heart, but your body is so heavy that I don’t know what to do. In the future, when my dad goes to heaven and you happily hold his hand, I want to hold you in my arms. I hope you live peacefully in heaven. Son, I love you. Sent from Dad on April 26, 2024.
Jeong Bong-oh, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
