Korean delegation honors war veteran Ihsan Damdam in Konya
Korean delegation honors veteran Ihsan Damdam in Konya, reflecting enduring camaraderie
A Korean delegation paid tribute to veteran Ihsan Damdam, a stalwart of the Korean War, at the age of 94.
Damdam expressed his happiness and pride in being remembered by the Korean people, a testament to the enduring camaraderie forged in the crucible of conflict.
Damdam, among the soldiers tasked by the General Staff following the Cabinet’s decision to send forces to South Korea on July 25, 1950, at the United Nations’ request, met with a delegation from Seoul visiting Konya.
Gathering with the delegation from the Seoul Metropolitan Council Health and Welfare Committee and Karatay Municipality Mayor Hasan Kilca as part of a series of visits to the city, Damdam expressed great joy at the respect shown to him.
The members of the delegation also experienced emotional moments as they bowed respectfully in front of Damdam.
During the visit, Damdam shared his experiences with an Anadolu Agency correspondent, stating that he had an unforgettable day thanks to Kilca’s invitation.
Upon seeing Koreans in the cafeteria, Damdam expressed his surprise, saying, “I was going to buy olives at the Women’s Market. The phone rang, and they said, ‘We’ll pick you up.’ They came from Seoul. They hugged me, kissed my hand, and embraced me. They are good people; they haven’t forgotten. This is the most important thing. They hugged me, and I cried. They said, ‘If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be here.’ They came from the other side of the world; they haven’t forgotten. There are not many Korean veterans left; most of them have passed away.”
Recalling the touching moment when the delegation bowed in front of him, Damdam shared his emotions, saying, “That’s how they show respect. Twenty years ago, I went to Korea upon an invitation. Everything has changed; they have developed. They used to come from Korea every year. They haven’t come for two years. Seeing them moved me deeply.”
Kilca expressed his satisfaction in hosting the Koreans, stating, “We are also pleased to have facilitated this beautiful meeting. They are our pillars. We strive to show the necessary respect and affection.”
Source: AA
