by JC Aquino

“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” – Bertrand Russell

Written under a Persimmon tree heavily adorned with fruits and snow-glazed branches. The air is still, and the moments slow down to allow the visitors to appreciate the peace of being here. Doves come and go as the leaves slowly fall onto the icy pond.

Stories about wars are not something that I am excited about because just the thought of a war already gives me the chills. The most influential war-related movie for me was Grave of the Fireflies, and nothing has seemed to ever compare since then.

War is a very expensive game – spending lives that can reach up to thousands in a single day. War causes much more than just damaged buildings and inflicted injuries; it also requires paying the ultimate price of giving up lives.
The War Memorial of Korea is one of the most established memorials in Asia. It was opened in 1994 to promote knowledge of the military history of Korea, and it was built with the aim of preventing war through an exhibit of a vivid combination of historical items on display, as well as paintings and visuals depicting the war that was.

You will be welcomed by pillars with long lists of names of soldiers from different countries who sacrificed their lives to win the war. There are also military reservists visiting the area, being oriented by the staff members who are educating them about those on display.

While strolling, we saw some flowers laid at the foot of the slabs with the inscribed names. It was a humble reminder that even after all these years, these men and women are honored, and their efforts are never forgotten.

The multi-level exhibit area is filled with historical artifacts, such as artilleries, military equipment, memorabilia, interactive visual presentations, and a multitude of paintings and dioramas. It is also managed by very helpful staff, who you can easily tell are well-versed and helpful.

As my wife and I walked towards the atrium, there was this embrace of serenity that I find difficult to explain. It was an unexplainable feeling of peace that sets in, which may seem ironic because of the violent and bloody the reason behind this infrastructure.

Nevertheless, the place serves as a veil of appreciation, a post of light, and a beacon of hope. I admire the considerable amount of effort and dedication poured into this project, to educate, to inspire, and to remember.

The trip was quite short, but within this brief span of time, I managed to learn a lot from a trip that I did not ask for but nevertheless learned from – and in this place, I found some things that I never realized I needed: a profound realization, a tranquil encounter with the past, and a great endeavor that awaits all of us tomorrow.

I arrived at this place filled with questions and fears. Then, I finally found my answers and assurance. Wars involve a lot of lives lost, unresolved conflicts, and dire consequences, but the most important reminder for me is that there was a time when individuals stood up for something they believe in and paved the way to ensure that future generations enjoy peace and freedom, even though this freedom was part of a future they would never see.