"Give Peace a Chance"

 Parts taken from Boston.com

Remembering the Korean War, 60 years ago

"This Friday, June 25th, it will have been sixty years since the beginning of the Korean War in 1950. After decades of Japanese occupation, Korea was divided in two by Allied Forces at the end of World War II, with the south administered by the U.S. and the north by Soviet Russia. Deep divisions built over several years, leading to skirmishes and finally an invasion by North Korean troops on June 25th, 1950. The United Nations sent troops and support from 21 countries to support South Korea, primarily from the United States and Britain. The war lasted for three years, with large advances and retreats on both sides, and many casualties. Hundreds of thousands of civilians and soldiers were killed. The two Koreas are technically still at war since hostilities ended in a ceasefire, not a peace treaty in 1953. Though it is often referred to as "The Forgotten War", I hope this collection of photographs helps us to remember the events of 1950-53, those involved, and the legacy that still remains, sixty years later"

Here are some of my favorites:

Note: I've added some "after" pictures of how Korean 

has transformed so much in the last 60 years.

Then: Villages were being turned into rubble, homes decimated, 
families separated, and lives destroyed.

A U.S. Marine tank follows a line of prisoners of war down a village street. September 26, 1950. (U.S. Department of Defense/U.S. Marine Corps/S. Sgt. John Babyak, Jr.)

Now: My "village" of Sanbon on the outskirts of Seoul - full of families and prosperity.

Then:

Four LST's unload men and equipment on beach in Inchon on Sept. 15, 1950. (AP Photo)

Now: Inchon is a major international port and a main supply line to Seoul

Then: Taejon (Daejeon) was practically obliterated

General views of burned city of Taejon on Sept. 30, 1950. (AP Photo/Jim Pringle) 

Now: Daejeon is the 5th largest city in Korea and 

the center of transportation in South Korea

 

Then: Heartbreak Ridge

Trees stripped by artillery and aerial bombardment stand like match sticks in this air view of hill 931 on Oct. 22, 1950, one of the main peaks which dominated Heartbreak Ridge in Korea. The complex system of communist trenches and bunkers are visible. This hill was taken twice by U.N. forces, the last time on October 6 by elements of the 23rd U.S. Regiment and a French Battalion. (AP Photo/GS)

Now: The DMZ has stood in place for the past 60 years with minor skirmishes to remind the government's on both sides that they are still technically at war. North Korea remains a secretive and reclusive nation that is controlled by a repressive government. Food shortages are common, and the country has made little advancement besides building up it's military. South Korea has flourished into a thriving nation full of opportunities, technological advancement, and is major industrial player on the international stage.

"If you look at a picture from the sky of the Korean Peninsula at night, South Korea is filled with lights and energy and vitality and a booming economy; North Korea is dark." - Donald Rumsfeld

Today: Korea's military is ever vigilant in regards to the North. Decades of mistrust and threats combined with assassination attempts, kidnappings, and espionage have kept the country divided. However, hope still remains that some day the two Korea's can one day become one. Time can only tell, but the longer it takes, the harder it will become.

 In this photo taken on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, a South Korean Marine looks at the North Korean side as he stands guard on Baengnyeong Island, South Korea, near the border with North Korea

Please make sure you take a look at the full article at boston.com. It is filled of astounding images (some disturbing.)