KOREAN NET

Tracing Hope Project Forum hosted by the KCWN

The Korean Community Workers Network of Canada (KCWN; President Lee Da-rae) held a forum at 10:30 AM on March 25 at the Bonsor Recreation Complex in Burnaby to wrap up volunteer work for Korean War veterans that had been conducted for the past year. At this Tracing Hope Project forum, nineteen Korean War veterans and associate members attended, along with police consul Kim Seong-hoon, food volunteer team, youth volunteer team, KCWN employees and members.

President Kim Tae-yeong of the Korean War Veterans Association gave a bouquet of appreciation to President Lee Da-rae of the KCWN.

President Lee Da-rae said in her opening speech, “Two years ago, we had a difficult time of isolation from society and severance of interpersonal relationships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, we prepared this project to listen to the stories of Korean War veterans who lived through a more difficult war than we live and to find hope in them. Today, we are going to finish it.”

Consul Kim Seong-hoon said, “Korea and Canada maintain a close relationship as war veterans. We are grateful for their sacrifice and dedication, and future generations should remember them forever.”

On this day, KCWN Coordinator Lee Jeong-im said in an activity report that she prepared the project in April of last year, held an orientation on June 18, and met and interviewed Korean War veterans on June 25, June 27, August 10, and October 15. She also explained that they made Korean food and delivered it to the homes of veterans once a month from September to February last year.

President Kim Tae-yeong of the Korean War Veterans Association expressed his gratitude saying, “It is heartwarming to see the 1.5th generation of Koreans who are grateful for the sacrifices of Korean War veterans and their efforts not to forget the painful history.” Advisor Lee Woo-seok also added, “I am grateful for the activities of the youth volunteers and food volunteers who voluntarily participated, and the KCWN, who drew a big picture.”

Students Hwang Ji-won, Nam Hye-rin, and Choi Moon-gyeong, who participated in the interview with Korean War veterans, presented valuable experiences gained after volunteering on this day.

Choi Moon-gyeong, Nam Hye-rin, and Hwang Ji-won (from left)

Hwang Ji-won (Seaquam Secondary School, 12th grade) said, “What I always thought was important while learning about the Korean history is that our history is the time our ancestors lived. So I think we should know how much effort and sacrifice has been put into it. That is why it meant a lot to me to visit veterans. I am currently studying in Canada, but I have always tried not to forget about Korean culture and history. I researched and studied more while preparing for the interview, and thanks to that, I learned more about the Korean War. In addition, I was able to learn more about the war from a vivid perspective that is different from reading texts in textbooks or on the Internet by talking directly with them. What I felt while living in Canada's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural life was that it was very important to live without forgetting my roots. In particular, I am very proud that many people are interested in our country in this global era and that our country has been able to communicate with many people from all over the world in cultural aspects. When someone asks us about Korean history, we should give them the right information. In that respect, I think it is very important to remember and study history without forgetting it.”

Choi Moon-gyeong (Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School, 10th grade) said, “As I am the great-granddaughter of a recipient of the National Medal of Merit, meeting the war veterans I interviewed and this activity were more meaningful. I especially remember the interview with John Ralph DeCoste, a Canadian Korean War veteran, who spoke of the horror he felt when he was on the front lines and that all he could do was be grateful for being alive. Korean War veterans emphasize to our generation and juniors not to forget all wars. Many brave men gave their lives for peace, and we will never forget to defend it. I will never take for granted the stories and experiences I learned from this volunteer activity.”

Nam Hye-rin (Terry Fox Secondary, 11th grade) said of her experience, “I learned a lot through the meaningful event for several hours and the fruitful interviews. Students, including me, learned history only through writings and textbooks. As a result, we have a stereotype that history is boring. So, the opportunity to learn history while listening to the actual experiences of the war veterans was truly precious and meaningful to us. It was particularly impressive that students could voluntarily participate in the event and communicate with veterans. We will become the future of the Republic of Korea by working hard to ensure that the efforts of our veterans are not in vain. It was a great opportunity to learn about history and life through communication between generations.”

Paintings by volunteer students

Han Chang-hyeon Korean Traditional Arts Center’s samulnori performance

After the forum, Han Chang-hyeon Korean Traditional Arts Center’s samulnori performance added to the excitement, and Tom Su's violin performance of Arirang and Korean songs made the audience feel the Korean sentiment. In addition, photographer Simon Choi took ID photos of the members of merit and gave them as gifts.

Photographer Simon Choi took ID photos of the members of merit and gave them as gifts.

Group photo