[MANNAM World News] 6.25 Korean War -(Yonhap Interview) Korean War veteran reminds people of 'forgotten war'

By Kim Eun-jung
 SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) - Larry Kinard's Korean War memories come back to him with a vivid clarity, which makes him shudder at the recollection of being so close to death.
   One of them is of an incident that took place in 1952, three years after he became a U.S. Army second lieutenant to serve in the 3rd Infantry Division on the front-line. He was 22.
   Looking out at the enemy territory over the Imjin River, an artillery shell exploded just 22 meters in front of a four-member observation team.
   "It literally blew us out of the bunker's back. Nobody was killed, but we suffered from concussion and shock for several days," Kinard, now 84 and the president of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA), said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency.

Larry Kinard, the president of the Korean War Veterans Association,
speaks during a lecture at the Korea Military Academy in Seoul on June 21, 2013. (Yonhap)

   "There were several experiences where I came close to dying. When it comes that close to death, you remember it."

The KWVA president living in Forth Worth, Texas visited Seoul as part of a veterans' event hosted by the Ministry of the Patriots and Veterans Affairs as South Korea commemorates the 60th anniversary of signing the Armistice Agreement that ended hostilities.
   The three-year war came to a halt in 1953, with a cease-fire agreement establishing a demilitarized zone roughly running along the 38th parallel that separated the two Koreas. Still today, there is no peace treaty and tensions continue with Pyongyang's threats of missile attacks and nuclear war.
   Although the Korean War has stuck with Kinard and other veterans for their entire lives, the war has been overshadowed in the public consciousness following many subsequent American military conflicts in recent decades.
   As the number of survivors with first-hand accounts of the war is dwindling -- with the youngest now nearing 80 -- Kinard decided to devote the rest of his life to tell stories of the "forgotten war" through an education program called "Tell America."
   Since 2005, the energetic veteran has traveled across the U.S. to meet people and students to tell what happened 60 years ago on the Korean Peninsula, and distributed booklets and brochures to libraries.
   Kinard stressed the education program is important because people should learn from history so as not to make the same mistakes in the future.
   "We tell the students that war is not fun," he said. "Some of what they see in movies and on TV is not real. War is terrible."
   If it is so terrible, why do people go to war?
   "Sometimes, you have to fight a war to defend freedom you have. I try to get them to understand what the real price of freedom is," he added.
   While the veteran's program was initially designed to raise awareness among students, Kinard discovered many teachers had very little knowledge of the war. So, he decided to expand the program from schools to churches and other organizations across America to give people the opportunity to talk with veterans and stimulate their curiosity.
   The great-grandfather with three children says the young generation should not forget where today's prosperity came from.
   "We stress to these children what it means to be a patriotic American, what it meant to us to fight for the freedom of the Korean people," he said. "We teach them that freedom is not free and many have paid a huge price for the freedom we enjoy today."
   The Korean War VA president called for more revisiting programs for survivors to make them in close contact and remember what they had sacrificed and contributed.
   "By meeting, living and fighting with these soldiers from other countries, we all became closer and learned first-hand what it truly means to be comrades-in-arms," Kinard said. "Through this togetherness, this comrade-in-arms personal contact, the entire world has become smaller and all of us have benefited as we learned each other's culture, language, history and traditions."
   The old veteran was particularly proud of the economic and political progress of South Korea, which has risen from the destruction of war to one of the leading economies, saying Koreans "accomplished a miracle."
   "I hope you know that the U.S. Korean War veterans are extremely proud of the Korean people and their accomplishments over the last 60 years," he said.
   Kinard, however, expressed regret that Korea still remains divided and hoped peace will come someday.
   "It's sad. I wish Korea to be reunified, but at this point, it seems to be almost impossible with standoffs from both sides," Kinard said. "Being strong is the best thing," he said, adding 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea should remain in the country as a way to deter North Korea aggression.
   Though the last thing he wants is war, the white-hair veteran demonstrated his last-remaining fighting spirit to preserve the Korean War legacy.

   "Should war ever come to the Korean Peninsula again," he said, "we will be there, as we were in the 50s -- comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side with you."

Source: http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2013/06/21/84/0301000000AEN20130621006800315F.HTML


The Korean War was a bloody battle of brother against brother.
It tooks the lives of some 5 million men and women.
The divided Koreas remain technically at war since an armistice stopped fighting between them in 1953.
It is regrettable that many soldiers have to be parted from family by war and civilians died.
Also, It’s a sad fact that many of those killed were children.
I hope that the day of reunification would come as soon as possible.
All humankind must exert every effort for peace.
MANNAM and MIYC memvers work for the world peace.
"We need to stick together!"
World peace is the greatest prize of all.

[MANNAM International Youth Coalition] Why Youth?

It is a youth coalition gathered from all over the world. People, especially youth has gathered as MIYC o unite people across borders, cultures, languages and races. As we are international groups, we respect for the diversity of humanity. By respecting each other's culture, we can understand and get together to be the one. After beding one, we will work together to achieve our goal.

On April 21. 2013 10K in their shoes event was osted by MANNAM International Youth Coalition (MIYC) at Seoul Grand Park. MIYC is to unite youth associations around the world and in motivating their nation to actively pursue peace. Through the 10km walk and the MIYC, all participants walked to show their support for specific countries who are still struggling with ongoing wars, or the after effects of recent conflict.

[MANNAM International volunteer] True Volunteerism

MANNAM is the common ground on which all people of the world, irrespective of their differences, can unite and work towards the goal of the world peace and a culture of respect and tolerance through true volunteerism.

MANNAM Volunteer Work
MANNAM reaches out to the Korean community through true volunteerism and community serive activities with expats from all ober the globe.

There are community service activities; Korean Language Class , MANNAM K-POP, MANNAM Soccer, Judo and Basketball club.  If you want to know more about these activities, here is blog address.

MANNAM DoranDoran http://mannamdorandoran.wordpress.com/
MANNAM Korean Class http://mannamkorean.wordpress.com/
MANNAM K-POP http://mannamkpop.blogspot.kr/
MANNAM Warriors Basketball Club http://mannambasketball.blogspot.kr/
MANNAM Judo http://mannamjudo.blogspot.kr/
MANNAM Victorycup http://victorycup-mannam.blogspot.kr/

MANNAM Cultural experience
MANNAM aims to unite all cultures, nations, races and religions through the spirit of volunteerism, and holds annual festivals to demonstrate this to the world.

MANNAM International Youth Coalition
MIYC unites youth across all borders and cultures. We foster a spirit of appreciation and respect for the diversity of humanity while actively working together to end war and lead the way to peace.

[World Peace] Iranian elections – Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi talks to euronews

source: http://news.naver.com

Iran is a country where the ruling class seems to thrive on hostility to the west and where much of the population is repressed, and living in dire poverty.
Iranians are now poised to vote in a new president, so what impact could this vote have for Iranians and the international community.?
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi spoke to euronews. She was recognised for championing democracy and human rights in her home country. She now lives in exile.
euronews’ Isabelle Kumar: “In past elections we’ve heard of political dissidents being persecuted, targeted. What are you hearing now?”
Ebadi: “Those events occurred in 2009. At that time, due to the extreme violence of the government, protests in the streets stopped. But the people are now manifesting their displeasure by different means and are showing they are not happy.”
euronews: “The people are also scared, are they not, because in the past universities were a hub of political activity and we get the sense, here at least, that there’s a sense of apathy, that youth are too scared to become politically engaged.”
Ebadi: :Our youth are not indifferent and they are active. That is why, today, many of our students are in jail and others have been expelled from universities.”
Bernard Smith, from the United States, sent a video question: “How significant is this election?”
Isabelle Kumar added: “This is something we ask ourselves, because could this election be a turning point or with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in power, can we expect just more of the same?”
Ebadi: “These elections are not free, like previous ones, and the final decision, with respect to important political issues, lies with Mr Khamenei. In my opinion, the election itself is not important. We must wait and see if, as in 2009, people go out onto the streets or not.”
euronews: Do you think that the voting process is fair, given that already that the Guardian Council has selected the candidates, can we expect that, at least to be fair?”
Ebadi: “The current election organisation and supervision system, in my opinion, is fraudulent, and that is why I have suggested free elections are held under the supervision of the UN. Of course, I know that the government will not accept this. Only international supervision will prevent electoral fraud.”
Alicia, from Spain, also sent a video question, asking about the atomic project: “I want to know how the outcome of these elections will affect Iran’s nuclear programme.”
Isabelle Kumar added: “Said Jalili is considered one of the front runners in this election, he’s also Iran’s nuclear negotiator. If he were elected could we expect a change of tack from Iran, regarding its nuclear programme?”
Ebadi: “Whether the winner is Saeed Jalili or someone else, it will not alter [Iran’s] nuclear policy. Because in this area [Supreme Leader] Ali Khamenei is the only one who makes decisions and he will not let the President make changes.”
euronews: “There has been pressure from the international community, in the form of sanctions, you’ve spoken out against those, but what alternative does the west have when its negotiating partner is intransigent?”
Ebadi: “I’m against a military invasion or economic sanctions, because it causes a lot of harm to people. Instead, [the west] should adopt policies which directly target those who violate human rights. Instead of punishing Iran with economic sanctions, punish those responsible for violations of state and human rights.”
Irena is also from Spain. Her video question concerns life in Iran now: “I would like to know what the real situation in Iran is, because it seems quite complicated. Thank you very much.”
Isabelle Kumar asked: “In some respects, Shirin Ebadi, our vision of Iran is fed by films like ‘Argo’, by the hard-line rhetoric that we hear from the ruling class. In a nutshell what’s the real Iran like nowadays?”
Ebadi: “The feminist movement in Iran is very strong; one of the strongest existing in the Middle East. Our union movement is strong; many of our organisers are in jail. We also have a very strong student movement which has resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of student activists. The Iranians are peaceful, because for 34 years they have lived with the revolution and they also endured the eight-year war with Iraq; this is too much for one generation. So while the Iranians are not happy with the situation at the moment, they want any changes to be made peacefully. They are tired of war, of violence.”
euronews: “Finally, you have been a champion of the cause of women, of the repressed in Iran. What’s your message to those people?”
Ebadi: [To] The people of Iran, you must resist to win your rights. Keep your resistance peaceful and know that victory will come.”
To find out who the next ‘I-talk’ guest will be, or send us written or video questions, check on www.euronews.com
, or follow Isabelle Kumar or euronews on social media.
source: http://www.euronews.com/2013/06/12/iranian-elections-nobel-peace-prize-winner-shirin-ebadi-talks-to-euronews/

World Peace is an issue in many other countries around the world.
In many places, the pacifist movement is gaining increasing support among young people.   MIYC is MANNAM International Youth Coalition. As youth leaders, we understand the future of uour world is in hte hands of the youth.
The power to renew our environment, to uplift the standards of society,
to create a new culture of peace and respect between races, cultures, religions
and nations lies with the youth. We, the youth, have the power to create a better future,
one free from conflicts and war.
Today, by uniting in one purpose, let us achieve that dream and realize a vision of a world of justice, peace, security and prosperity by creating a new culture for all humanity.
This is the vision of MANNAM International Youth Coalition.
Please, join us as we build a legacy of peace the world cannot ignore.


 

[World Peace] "Youth, Sports, and Peace" - GBS Kenya

Violence and youth is almost inseparable. But collaboration between global peace festival foundation and the international peace and peace festival is trying to make a difference. Through sports, the two organizations have, since 2010, rolled out programmes that are geared towards harness the energy of the youth positively. On Saturday the programme was at Woodley social grounds where over 500 youth congregated for a sports tourney. Area councilor Gare Mohamad said such initiatives could have come at a better time now that the country is headed for a general election.

source: http://peacemedia.usip.org/resource/youth-sports-and-peace-gbs-kenya

Many youth people were gathered to walk for world peace a few days ago. When I arrived, I was genuinely stunned. They were the one, no matter what race or creed. If all youth group in the world work for the world peace, It will have our wish any day now. MIYC and MANNAM Volunteer Association are always working to world peace. we want us to go together! We are always welcome that you want to join us anytime, anyway!

[MIYC] International Youth Walk for World Peae & Restoration

Hello Everyone!
I am one of the people who participated in this International Youth Walk for World Peace and Restoration. Frankly, I don't have any mind to join this event. However, my friend continued to talk about it and then I also agreed with that PEACE MUST COME TRUE.
At that day, it was really really hot but Gyeongbokgung(Palace Gyeongbok) - we visited before the event- shows brilliant colors and well-decorated gardens. It catches my eyes.

 

The event started at noon. In Seoul, the highs was around 31°C. Nevertheless, a massive number of people made me surprised. It was so big scale than my expectation.
At the first part of event, It was really hot like an oven because the people were almost 30,000 and jammed like sardines. I was impressed that people from diverse countries gather and do such a huge event for common theme 'PEACE'. I was proud of myself for participating this campaign.

'

 

 

Next part was Walking Campaign, each section prepared very attractive performances to represent each continent. Also I could feel many people who stood around the event focused on us and what we do.

 

I think it was very meaningful for me to join the International Youth Walk for World Peace and Restoration. I also believe the people who looked at this Peace Campaign might have same mind with us for WORLD PEACE.
 

 

MANNAM & MIYC participated in the International Youth Walk for World Peace and Restoration :25 May 2013

25 May 2013: MANNAM & MIYC participated in the International Youth Walk for World Peace and Restoration. About 20,000 young people walked together for peace on the day in the hopes that their united action would motivate youth around the world to work for world peace together.

MANNAM International Peace Event : World Peace Youth Walk

May 25

International Youth Walk for World Peace & Restoration

 

             Surely, one would be hard pressed to claim an all-out victory for peace this particular May 25, as war was inevitably being fought throughout various regions of the world and violent crimes against its fellow citizens had not suddenly stopped. The world did not inexplicably cease all hate fueled rhetoric; yet in at least one venue there was a gathering of love-filled youth, bound by a desire to demonstrate to the world that love could ultimately overpower the barriers forged from odium many in world feel toward those unlike themselves.

             This gathering took place in Seoul, South Korea at the World Peace Gate within the Seoul Olympic Park. It was comprised of 20-30 thousand youths from approximately 130 different countries. These inspiring youths gathered for a Youth Peace Walk initiative set to rouse and broadcast a sense of world unification; to promote acceptance, consideration, and collaboration among the youth of the globe so that others might know there are those that do not hold to past grudges based on race, nationality, or religious beliefs. So that others would know that there are many that demand an end to hate, violence, and war. So that the leaders of today would understand that their youth are calling on them for change – for a better world.

             Attending this event in person was definitely an awe inspiring experience; at least for this writer. After arriving by bus with an international group, we unloaded and shuffled to a location near the World Peace Gate. The crowd was immense, thousands of people all around. It was not exactly the easiest of days for such a gathering; the sun beat down on us relentlessly. We were soon drenched, not from a fountain of water, but from our own sweat. We greedily drank bottles of water to ward off dehydration and thirst in general. Soon we began wading into the crowd, wedging ourselves closer to the center stage. We were thoughtfully given ear pieces so that the announcements could be heard in our respective native languages. So many people, races, backgrounds, all with hearts beating for peace.

             Once the announcements had been made and the Declaration for Peace given, we were told the actual Peace Walk would soon begin. This is the moment that the event became less surreal, and instead took on a more literal reality. A young woman near one of our international members suddenly fell out from the heat and was dehydrated. Without hesitation, the young man she had fallen next to picked her up and put her on his back and rushed her to a nearby ambulance onsite. The young woman was not a part of our group and obviously not of the same nationality as the young man; he knew nothing about her other than she needed immediate help – and he provided just that, without regard for anything else.

             Personally, I was not immediately aware of what had occurred.  Some of our group began calling out that something had happened and right about then he ran past me with the young woman draped over his back. I could not discern in the rush and crowd if she were one of our own members but decided to follow in order to lend a hand. However, he had a decent head start and people were parting like the red sea. I on the other hand was caught in the tide and took a bit longer to reach the ambulance. Upon arrival, it was still unclear whether she was a part of one of our groups or not, but the young man that had rescued her was no longer present. By the time it was determined that she was not one of our members and was going to be taken care of by her group the crowd had begun to move – the walk was beginning.

It was quite the experience wading through so many people in such close quarters against the flow of traffic. If there was any doubt that the people there did not truly hold a desire to work together for peace, it was erased at this point. There were no glares, no sighs, only smiles and hellos from everyone. All that were there made me feel as if they were happy to have me brush by them and almost seemed to openly invite me to stay and join them – and I passed by many before the leader of our group, who had stayed behind, and I finally found one another and began the walk ourselves.

People holding flags from what seemed all the countries involved and maybe of others were lining the street making a clear path in which to walk and provided a safe barrier from cars sharing the other side of the road. Many of which slowed to take pictures and shout cheers and support for the youth walkers. Performances abounded from several different countries, sporting traditional clothing and dances as we walked along. We were an unending river of people; a living mass, each person a different cell, but all united and working together to create one organism breathing peace.

 

We the united youth of the world, walked for peace. We walked shoulder to shoulder, we held hands, and we hugged. We were all different – and we all smiled. The day was May 25, 2013. It was a day that PEACE won.

[MIYC] Article on the INDIA newspaper about 10km peace

Article from INDIA

Appeal to ease the tension by Shanti march (Peace March):

Atmosphere of tension is maintained all over the Korean peninsula because of the inflammatory statements and threats by North Korea On Sunday, at South Korea's capital Seoul, thousands of youth walk out for 10 kilometer Peace March and appeal to North Korea to establish the peace by stress reduction. This Peace March was organized by
an international NGO, called “MANNAM”.
As known, deep stress in Korean peninsula rose last month when North Korea threaten its neighbor country South Korea for nuclear attack on and turn the missiles on its side.

[MIYC Project] “In their Shoes” – 10km Walk for Peace

- A simultaneous, on location, event, geared at raising awareness for peace. It also demonstrates humanities capacity to work together and achieve our common goals across continents.
Each youth organization will aim to host their own 10km walk - “In their Shoes”. Previously MANNAM International Volunteer Association hosted such events annually, or biannually to aid countries suffering from the devastation caused by natural disasters. Included in the awareness campaigns, messages of peace, hope and support were sent from our volunteers participating in the 10km walk. This year we will do the same but aim entirely at world peace. Photos and video footage from the events being held internationally will be sent back to the MIYC headquarters in Seoul, South Korea where we will combine all the material and distribute it to the public and international media. The “Unique Unity” fingerprint quilt will be flown over the start/finish-line of the 10km held by the MIYC headquarter organization, MVA,  as a symbol of agreement between all the coalitions parties.
“In their Shoes” has been aired on International news broadcasting stations in 2011, and through this event MIYC will reach not only their direct communities but also the entire globe, with news of their campaigns for peace.
Objectives:
- Crossing cultures, languages, religions and races to walk side-by-side in peace.
- Raise awareness on an international level.
- Set an example in striving toward peaceful co-existence.

About MANNAM International Youth Coalition

Why MIYC?

By joining MIYC your organization will get a ton of cool stuff to help you make the biggest possible impact in your own community including-

• access to an international network of inspiring, proactive individuals and associations
• tons of superb event and project templates designed to help you create a positive change in your community
• invitations to awesome Youth Summits where you will meet with dynamic leaders like yourself, internationally renowned guest speakers, performers, and workers for peace
• featuring in MIYC’s quarterly newsletter, distributed internationally, which will spotlight MIYC’s work around the world

As MIYC representatives in your country, you and your organization will be counted among a growing number of internationally recognized groups who all stand together for peace. All this will dramatically boost your organization’s visibility and impact within your country.

Our Mission

The purpose of MIYC is to gather and unite youth associations like yours from around the world to support the development of their immediate communities and inspire their governments to actively pursue peace between nations.


The Memorandum of Understanding

One of the most exciting projects of 2013 is no doubt the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) between the governments of the world whose purpose shall be to end all wars. And we need your help. MIYC will stand together to uphold the standards of peace amongst ourselves, and strive peacefully and respectfully to hold governments to honor their pledge to end wars.

The MIYC Summit

Without a doubt, the most anticipated events for MIYC Affiliates are the MIYC Summits. These exciting events will be held twice a year in spring and autumn in the dynamic, bustling capital of South Korea, Seoul. All affiliated associations will be invited to send two representatives to the summits at which youths from all affiliated groups will come together and participate in networking activities, program development and other workshops and seminars to enrich themselves and their communities. And of course we will have some serious fun!
The MIYC Newsletter
The MIYC newsletter will be published quarterly with spotlight articles highlighting the work being done by Affiliated members in the name of peace, updates on the MOU and other newsworthy events in the MIYC community. Written contributions will be accepted from all Affiliated members - everyone will have the chance to shine!

Basic Principles of MIYC

Any individual or group affiliated to MIYC shall retain full autonomy, being governed by their own constitution and by-laws. However, all Affiliates should at all times conduct themselves in such as way as to further the good standing of MIYC within their community.
To this end the following principles shall be adhered to by any group wishing to be affiliated to MIYC. The MIYC representative will be held accountable by MVA to ensure that these principles are fully implemented within the Affiliate.

The basic principles of MIYC are as follows:

1. Any individual between the ages of 15 and 35 (“youth”), or youth organization is free to join MIYC but shall commit to working towards world peace. All members shall conduct their activities in a peaceful, lawful and respectful way.
2. There shall be no discrimination against individuals or groups based on religion, gender, political persuasion, sexuality, nationality, or ethnicity etc within MIYC or its MIYC activities.
3. Activities undertaken by any Affiliate member of MIYC shall in no way infringe upon or impede any of the rights granted to an individual or group by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”) defined by the United Nations detailed at http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml .

MANNAM International Youth Coalition

MANNAM International Youth Coalition

You hold in your hands
a document with the which will allow you
to be part of a world-changingnew project - the MANNAM International Youth Coalition.
As youth leaders, we understand the future of our world
is in the hands of the youth.
The power to renew our environment, to uplift the standards of society,
to create a new culture of peace and respect between races, cultures, religions
and nations lies with the youth.
Through this document, MANNAM Volunteer Association invites
you to join us in this dynamic new coalition
We, the youth, have the power to create a better future,
one free from conflicts and war.
We acknowledge the supreme sacrifices of those who have fought – given their lives to make this world a better place for us. We thank them with all our hearts and accept readily the responsibility to make our world better
so their sacrifices do not come to naught.
Today, by uniting in one purpose, let us achieve that dream and realize a vision of a world of justice, peace, security and prosperity by creating a new culture for all humanity.
This is the vision of MANNAM International Youth Coalition.
Please, join us as we build a legacy of peace the world cannot ignore.

The MIYC Coordination Team

[MANNAM Pledge of Peace Campaign] War Child Canada Help Child Soldiers

War Child Canada is stirring consciences with “Help Child Soldiers”, a provocative and ironic multimedia campaign designed to call attention to the estimated 300,000 children around the world who have been forced or drafted into armed groups. The charity is raising funds for humanitarian assistance to war-affected children around the world, as well as raising Canadian involvement in advocacy for the 300,000 children around the world who have been forced or drafted into armed groups.

Source: http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2009/help-child-soldiers/#.UUSPx29g8bI

Many people want peace. and there are many campaign for peace.
Here is  one of campaigns that i want it to introduce. It is 10Km in theire shoes.

10Km in their shoes, as in previous years, will be an awareness campaign.
April 14, a bright spring day, with a cool, crisp breeze - perfect weather for walking! And walk we did! All over Korea, around 900 volunteers took to the streets, mountainsides and parks to walk 10km in order to raise awareness for victims of natural disasters the world over.
The MANNAM sports teams came kitted out in their gear, while others from the volunteer groups and culture classes came sporting their MANNAM flare -badges and sticker-tattoos - a multinational feast for the senses.
For days prior to the events, volunteers could be found in virtually every major city in South Korea promoting the cause and gathering people to walk in the name of awareness for those affected by disasters.
Possibly the most original promotion tool, the '10k truck' could be seen driving around the streets of Busan. Meanwhile, in other areas volunteers picketed corners, manned booths, and made personal contact with the general public to get the word out.

*What do you do for peace?

This year youth organisations across the globe will be participating at different locations, all aiming to sound a clear message of their strong stance against wars. All partcipants will be walking to show their support for specific countries who are still struggling with ongoing wars, or the after effects of recent conflict. Through the 10km walk and the MIYC peace pledge the youth within Korean and abroad will show all nations how we wish to actively prusue peace.