Members visit Korea

Alex Stirton and the Branch Secretary (David Drinkwater) were fortunate to have thier names drawn from the hat and were therefore priveleged to be part of the party of 10 Korean War Veterans on the trip to Korea with all expense paid from Heatrow to Heathrow. the trip started on Friday the 26th of September 2008 and ended on Thursday the 2nd of October 2008. The main purpose of the trip was to be part of the 60th anniversary to commemorate the formation of the Korean Armed Forces. The itinerary for the four days was quite compact taking in visits to Panmunjom and OP Dora, Solmari and OP Sang Seung, the Korean National Cemetery and the War Memorial and Kyungbok Palace. The main event was held in the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday the 1st of October in brilliant sunshine. The stadium was packed with spectators and members of all arms of the Korean Forces. The South Korean President and the first Lady made an impressive entrance in a motorcade of black BMW vehicles containing, as well as the President and his Lady, bodyguards etc all very much in the American style. After the presentaion of medals and awards to a numbers of the military by the President the spectacular commenced. There was marching, demonstrations of strength, drumming by a group of ladies and then a parachute drop by dozens of members of the Korean Armed forces,each with colours smoke or banners attached to thier bodies. A large number of helicoptors flew over the stadium each with members of the services suspended on ropes below the helicopter, again with colour smoke and banners strapped to thier bodies, a very impressive fly past followed which terminated the main program. The President departed but the festivities continued, we, however made our way back to our coaches to return to our hotel for a slap up dinner. The Banquet held in our honour on Wednesday the 30th was very impressive, there was great entertainment following the sumptious meal and of course the presentaion of peace medals to all that had not previously received them. Alex and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, I had on previous re-visits, been to all the places on the itinerary but even so there was some slight difference to each place visited which made it very special for us both. We laid wreaths at the Korean War Cemetery and at Solmri. It was a great honour given to us on this trip, our 10 UK members quickly formed close knit family and enjoyed each others company to whom we say thanks lads, if any of you get up to bonny Scotland drop in and have a wee dram with us.