What is a plan for a memorial for the South Korean retreat, 1950:
“Soon after the lieutenant announced the Communist breakthrough, mortars started bursting around our billet [housing]. Filing into separate jeeps, we rushed toward the big bridge across the Han River, the only escape route. As we raced through the rainy darkness a sheet of orange flame tore the sky. “Good God, there goes the bridge,” said the lieutenant. We were trapped. The Han River lay between us and safety to the South and the only bridge had been dynamited. It was obvious now that if we were not captured, we would have to abandon our equipment and wade or ferry across the river. When we reached the riverbank, we found masses of refugees and South Korean soldiers in a panicky press. Some of the soldiers were firing at people in boats and rafts in an attempt to force them to come to our side of the river. Other soldiers were defeating their own aims by rushing aboard any available craft in such numbers that they swamped the tiny boats. It was only by holding back the rush at rifle point that we got our band across the river. We were harassed all the while by steady but inaccurate rifle fire. Once across the river, there was nothing to do but walk across the mountain trail toward Suwon. Our single file of soldiers was soon joined by a huge stream of refugees, a ragamuffin army of tattered soldiers, old men, diplomats, children and a woman war correspondent.”
(Source: Marguerite Higgins. War in Korea. Garden City: Doubleday, 1951: 25-26)
A possible plan for a memorial for the South Korean retreat in 1950 could include the following elements:
1. Location: The memorial could be located near the Han River in South Korea, in close proximity to where the events described in the passage took place.
2. Design: The memorial could include a sculpture or statue depicting the chaos and desperation of the retreat, with figures representing the soldiers, refugees, and journalists described in the passage.
3. Plaques or inscriptions: The memorial could include plaques or inscriptions with excerpts from the passage by Marguerite Higgins, providing context and honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the retreat.
4. Reflection area: The memorial could include a designated area for visitors to reflect on the events of the retreat and pay their respects to those who were affected by it.
5. Educational component: The memorial could also include informational panels or exhibits providing additional historical context about the Korean War and the specific events of the South Korean retreat in 1950. This would help educate visitors about the significance of the memorial and its place in history.
Overall, the memorial would serve as a reminder of the hardships and sacrifices endured during the Korean War, and as a tribute to the individuals who were caught up in the chaos of the retreat. It would provide a space for reflection, remembrance, and education for future generations.