Thank you for your invitation to speak on this historical event and your kind introduction, Tom.
Knoxville is my favorite town ever since the World’s Fair in 1978. It was a spectacular fair and I still remember the talking robot want to shake hand with me. I’ve got lost one night and ended up a night club playing country music. I still like that memory, it was the first time I taste moon-shine liqueur.

Two weeks ago in NYC, the Korean President Roh Moo Hyun thank to American people for their supreme sacrifices during the Korean War and said

“I probably in political prison camp right now if the American military didn’t join the Korean War and rescued the Korean people from the Communists,”

Pres. Roh came to meet with the President Bush, two weeks ago.

I too recognize along with over one million Korean American community members. The Korean War veterans are my heroes and heroes of all Korean people.

After the War, some soldiers came home alive but some could never made home, died in bitter cold terrain or in muggy creek side.

The supreme sacrifices of the Korean War veterans will never forget from every hearts of Korean people including mine.

Today, this Memorial Day, I am honored to be a part of this historical event.

The Korean American community in Knoxville area under leadership of Dr. Tom Kim is erecting this Memorial to remember veterans fought for Korea, once unknown country in the Far East.

The Korean War is very different from any other wars America involved. It created many positives.

Today, after 52 years later, you are realizing the results of the sacrifices of American troops for South Korean people.

You secured freedom for 45 million people,
Freedom for 45 million people! It is priceless!

South Korea became the sixteenth largest economy in the world!
You all should be very proud of your selves.

South Korea sent over fifty thousand combat troops to Vietnam War to fight against the Communists with the American troops.

Today, over one million Korean Americans living in the United States as American citizen!
We brought values America needs today.

Korean Americans are stimulating America’s work force with diligent work ethics!

Korean American students lift America’s average academic scores.

Over 4,000 Korean American churches are praying hard for America. I can go on and on.

President Bush recognized Korean Americans early this month for the invaluable contributions of Korean Americans to our Nation's rich cultural diversity, economic strength, and proud heritage.

Tennessee community should very proud of the contributions of the Korean American community made. They are good neighbors and valuable contributors.

All of these histories never could occur without the Korean War veterans supreme sacrifices. You should be very proud of your selves as you plant trees and now you see the trees are full grown.

Again, it is my honor to join the rest of the Korean Americans to thank you! Thank you very much!

I also want to thank to Dr. Kim and the members of the Knoxville K-A community for your initiatives.

May God bless those unable to be here with us this afternoon, God bless all of you and the family members of the veterans!
And God continue to bless America! Thank you!!