- ≪장애인인식개선신문≫ 한국전 참전용사기념비 건립위원회 최연소 위원 '나지안 '인터뷰
- 한국전 참전용사기념비 건립위원회 최연소 위원 나지안양 (송도 채드윅 국제학교 8학년)영어연설 © 장애인인식개선신문
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Interview with Ji-an Na, the Youngest Committee Member of the Fullerton, California Korean War Veterans Memorial Committee
Post summarized by durumis AI
- Ji-an Na, the youngest member of the Fullerton, California Korean War Veterans Memorial Committee, delivered a speech in English at the Korean War Memorial ceremony and was honored with awards from US Congressmen.
- Her participation in designing a coloring book featuring Korean War hero Colonel Young-ok Kim provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of the Korean War and remember the sacrifices of her grandfather's generation.
- With the help of Secretary General Dong-woo Park and Congresswoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, Ji-an Na was given the opportunity to speak at the memorial ceremony, where she shared the pain of the Korean War and the importance of peace.
Interview with Ji-an Na, the Youngest Committee Member of the Fullerton, California Korean War Veterans Memorial Committee
The scene of a 10-year-old girl from Korea attending the 'Korean War Memorial Dedication Ceremony' on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, and delivering a speech as the youngest member of the construction committee, remains a hot topic even after a considerable amount of time.
This publication requested an interview with Ji-an Na, currently a 10th-grade student (equivalent to the first year of high school) at Chadwick International School in Songdo, Incheon, and coordinated a schedule to meet at Apgujeong Station.
We met Ji-an (hereinafter referred to as Ji-an) and her mother at a Starbucks amidst the on-and-off showers.
Her first impression was that of a natural, unpretentious high school girl, resembling a model answer.
The reporter couldn't believe that she had given an English speech at such a young age in that historic setting, but upon seeing Ji-an, there was no other choice but to acknowledge it. She had such a neat and exemplary appearance. Naturally, we began discussing the events of that time.
The following is the full interview.
Q - Ji-an, for a 10th-grade (high school freshman) student, you have an incredibly diverse and impressive activity record. You participated in the 'Korean War Memorial Dedication Ceremony' in Fullerton, California, and gave a speech. Could you explain about the award you received from American Congressmen?
A - Thank you for having me. It was an honor to deliver a speech at the 'Korean War Memorial Ceremony' on Veterans Day. It was a truly meaningful experience to give a speech as the youngest member of the construction committee at such an important event. Receiving an award signed by members of the US House of Representatives was a truly glorious moment. It was not only recognition of my efforts but also a reminder of how crucial it is to remember and honor the sacrifices of the veterans.
Q - I heard you also participated in the design of a children's coloring book featuring the war hero, Colonel Young Ok Kim. How did that experience lead to your involvement in commemorative projects and support activities for veterans?
A - Participating in the design of the coloring book featuring the story of war hero Colonel Young Ok Kim was a unique experience.
Through this, I had the opportunity to deeply empathize with historical facts from World War II to the Korean War.
The aim of this book was to educate children about historical events in an accessible and engaging way.
By participating in the project, it was an opportunity to think about the extremely difficult times of war experienced by the grandfather generation.
Q - I hear that Dong Woo Park, the former Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Policy in the Obama administration, who dedicated himself to building the Korean War Memorial in Fullerton, created a 'Mission: Impossible'-like opportunity for Ji-an to take the stage and deliver her speech?
A - Although I had prepared a speech for the ceremony that day, the official event's schedule was very tight.
California Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva introduced me as the next-generation youth committee member and gave me the opportunity to give a speech, which I successfully delivered. I would like to express my gratitude to Secretary-General Dong Woo Park of the construction committee and Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva for this opportunity.
Q - What are your thoughts on the Korean War?
For example, during the Korean War, my grandmother was a young child and her family needed to evacuate. They boarded a ship, but she needed to use the restroom. Because of that, the whole family had to disembark and give up their chance to evacuate.
Source: Interview with Ji-an Na, the youngest member of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Construction Committee: Disability Rights News - https://www.dpi1004.com/4641