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. 92