Korean History and Culture Seminar for American Educators Handbook 2017 NKS Seminar-Handbook-Final with Daniel | Page 92
prosperity. It is fitting that we pay tribute to the General and his father on these grounds where
the magnificent Bell symbolizes the everlasting friendship between our two nations.
The work, however, remains incomplete while the Korean Peninsula is divided and the threat of
armed confrontation persists; the tasks remain until all Koreans are free.
We continue to hope that we can achieve a permanent peace and unification for all Koreans
during our lifetime that a legacy of peace and unity could be preserved for the future generations
along with the prize of independence and freedom.
Until that day, we will continue to ring this Bell for freedom and hope.
About speaker: Mr. Ernest Lee, Executive Director, Korean Friendship Bell Preservation
Committee
Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee (KFBPC) was established in 2006. Formed from
representatives of several organizations – Korean American Federation, National Unification
Advisory Committee, Bell of Friendship Foundation, Long Beach Korean-American Chamber of
Commerce & ROK Marines Veterans Association. The Friendship Bell Preservation Committee
is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization that is dedicated solely to the preservation of the Korean
Friendship Bell and its Legacy.
Mr. David Lopez
He is a Korean War Veteran who has graciously been
speaking at our seminar for the past several years. After
arriving in Korea July 12, 1951, he joined the 24 th Division,
19 th Infantry Regiment, 2 nd Battalion George Company 2 nd
Platoon, and 2 nd Squad. The 24 th Division saw action in
Bloody Ridge and Heartbreak Ridge. In Korea, he received
the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense,
Korean Service, United Nations, and the Sigmund Rhee
Presidential Citation. When he returned to civilian life in
1953, his rank was Sergeant First Class. At present, he is the
Commander of the Korean War Veterans Chapter #56 of
Ventura County and has been the Commander since 1996.
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