Award for American Teen Volunteering at Hangukjeon War Veterans Park

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]The head of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will award commendations to American teenagers who volunteered for two years at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park in the United States during their high school years.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 23rd that it will present commendations in the name of the Minister to three American teenagers who regularly volunteered at the Korean War Memorial Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, instead of inviting them to Korea for an award ceremony, the awards will be delivered through the Korean Embassy in the United States.

Yuri Jang (16), Alex M Malfregeot (18), and Daniel Shin (17), who graduated from high school in June this year, have been visiting the Korean War Memorial Park every Saturday since 2018 to volunteer for cleaning activities.

Yuri Jang started cleaning at the Korean War Memorial Park in April 2018 and is currently helping Charles Maude, a veteran residing in Pittsburgh, publish a book containing about 400 letters he wrote from the battlefield during the Korean War.

She also created a "Handwritten Letter Writing Club" to comfort veterans who have been staying alone at home due to the spread of COVID-19. In cooperation with Somyung Girls' High School in Korea, they send letters to veterans.

Yuri Jang said, "I want to let the veterans who risked their lives in the Korean War know that as descendants of the Republic of Korea, we are grateful," adding, "I hope to play a good role in continuing the friendly relationship between Korea and the United States."

Alex Malfregeot said, "Although none of my family members are Korean War veterans, I started cleaning the memorial park after hearing stories about the veterans by chance."

They also received the Pittsburgh Mayor's Award in January this year for their volunteer work such as cleaning the Korean War Memorial Park.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.