Honoring those in uniform

Operation Dawn of the Gulf of Aden was conducted a year ago. The operation took place at dawn on Jan. 21, 2011, the sixth day after the Samho Jewelry was hijacked by Somali pirates. The destroyer Choi Yeong with the Korean Navy`s Cheonghae Unit exchanged intense fire with the pirates and safely rescued all 21 crewmen from the Samho. This made the Korean people realize that their military will risk the lives of its members to save fellow Koreans. Maj. Kim Seong-ho, who led the operation as the chief of firing on the Choi Yeong, received the first “Proud Men in Uniform” award given by The Dong-A Ilbo and its newly launched cable station Channel A.

Those in uniform including soldiers, police and firefighters are the living cornerstones of the nation who protect the people, safety, national security, law and order. They rush anywhere and whenever a need arises, risk their lives to protect the safety of citizens, and value others` lives more than their own, allowing the Korean people to lead safe and sound lives. Even in advanced economies, few cities are safe enough to enable women to walk alone late at night unlike Seoul. Nevertheless, Korea has largely oblivious to the roles of those in uniform.

The tombs of unknown soldiers killed in war dot the site under the Arc de Triomphe in central Paris. The French remember that they can enjoy their songs and wine and keep their glaring lights on along the Champs Elysees thanks to the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers. Whenever the remains of soldiers killed in Afghanistan were repatriated to the U.S., President Barack Obama always went to the arrival regardless of whether it was day or night and saluted the soldiers. Only after a country duly honors the patriotism of those in uniform who protect a nation and its people and properly compensates their sacrifice can it become a truly powerful nation.

Yet certain Koreans have a distorted view of their history, with some saying, "The Republic of Korea is a country that should not have been founded," and deny the authority of those in uniform. Such a view must change. These people can still prosper in Korea despite blasting their own nation thanks to the blood and painful efforts of many more Koreans, and notably of those in uniform. People who say their challenge to public authority is “justice” and attack those in uniform with deadly weapons should also realize the folly of their ill-advised beliefs and behavior.

The Proud Men in Uniform prize has gone to two firefighters, Kim Eung-gun and Kim Hyeong-soo, who have returned to work after overcoming physical disabilities they incurred in the line of duty. Like these men who were born to be firefighters, many others in uniform deserve public recognition. A society where those in uniform are respected and made proud of will never be on shaky ground. Police should be able to wear their uniforms in a confident manner.