수혜국에서 지원국으로... 참전용사에 마스크로 ‘보은’<br /><br />Over the last couple of weeks, South Korea has sent some one-million face masks to foreign Korean War veterans to help them stay strong in the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />It's Korea's way of showing gratitude for their service 70 years ago.<br />Lee Kyung-eun spoke to some who were on the receiving end. Three years of war.<br />Around two million soldiers from 21 allied countries fought in the Korean War for a country they'd never been to... or even heard about in some cases.<br />Seven decades have passed and these veterans are now on average 88 years old,... meaning they are in the high-risk group when it comes to COVID-19.<br />To help them stay safe and hopefully healthy,.. in May, the South Korean government sent around one-million face masks to veterans from all UN participant nations in the war.<br />"It's a small gesture to show our eternal gratitude for the sacrifices and contribution made by all overseas Korean War veterans."<br />One of the destinations was France.<br />"Our hearts were touched greatly by the South Korean government. I am truly grateful,...and will be for the rest of my life."<br />Other boxes,...to New Zealand.<br />"I received them in the hands of consulate general's office in Auckland, and delivered them personally, and I must admit it was a big surprise."<br />And the campaign even prompted a heart-felt letter to the South Korean embassy in Thailand.<br />It says, "my father has passed away, but we are thankful you remember the bereaved families of the veterans even though 70 years have passed. I hope both countries overcome COVID-19 together."<br />In the U.S., even Native American veterans in the Navajo nation received the masks, most of whom were code talkers using their native language.<br />And it was also a proud journey for South Korean citizens who contributed to the campaign.<br />"It makes me feel proud as a South Korean that we are now able to provide support to other countries, from which we once received help from."<br />Despite memories fading over the past 70 years...the bond South Korea shares with the overseas veterans of the Korean War remains unbreakable.<br />Lee Kyung-eun, Arirang News.<br />
