July 27, 1953

54 years ago today a temporary truce was agreed upon at a tiny villiage called Panmunjom in Korea. In my previous three visits to the country I have learned a lot about the war and the ways in which it has affected the two Koreas.

During my last stay I had the rare opportunity to meet with and interview many refugees from North Korea and learn of their struggles in that country. It is my hope that those still struggling with their lives in North Korea will find strength and be able to recieve the aid that they so desperately need from the west.

This image is from a small town on the eastern coast of South Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone. For 50+ years the south has kept a nightly watch on the coast, looking for those spies and infiltrators from the north. Recently the bunkers and buildings that were built for soldiers to keep vigil in are being dismantled. This is one of dozens that have been taken down or are no longer being used.

My thanks to those who have served in the defense of our country, and in the defense of our allies.

Times are changing. I fear for what comes next from Korea.