The DMZ/Why I am here

I would first like to dedicate this post to 2LT Mark Daily. His essay he wrote on his Myspace account is a snapshot into the hundreds of U.S. servicemembers sacrafices. He vailently died in Iraq fighting for human rights as all of those killed Iraq have done despite being slapped in the face at home who think winning power at all costs is more important than global peace and security. If you have a chance please read it on www.myspace.com

Last weekend I traveled north and away from juicy girls, smog and the usual Korean shadiness and other distractions. I went about 15 miles north of post to the De-militarized Zone or DMZ. The zone is about 2.5 miles wide and a 150 miles long stretching the length of the Korean Penisula. In the middle of the zone is the military demarcation line or the actual border that separates North and South Korea. It is marked by white stakes and signs, and lots of fire power on both sides. Razor wire lines a thin line of brush and trees. The signs and white stakes are posted about 10 to 20 feet apart and dot the entire demarcation line. Technically North and South Korea are still at war, as South Korea has not signed the cease fire agreement. All of the fog and unecessary nonsense burned away from mind as I realized that those soldiers staring at me a mere 150 yards north are at the ready to "Fight Tonight" and likewise for me. I have included several pictures of my trip. I have included the world's tallest flag pole, with a North Korean flag, as well as propaganda village. It is movie set type building that the North has built and until 2004 there used to be a loud speaker playing telling people to "come to the dark side." I also saw the Bridge of No Return, where prisioners who were being re-patriated after the war had to choose North or South and once they chose and walked north or south they could not return, hence the Bridge of No Return. The Blue Buildings you see is the Joint Security Area or (JSA) where Armistace talks were held and meetings from time to time are held. The Demarcation line splits this building in half. You can walk across the building and be in North Korea. There is a door on the north end of the building that is locked during tours because the North has been known to grab people. Each time there are visitors from the South the Korean guys with the helmets and sunglasses on lock the door. By the way they are tall and will kick your !@#$ if you walk in front or back of them when they are standing in their fighting positions watching the North. That is what the tour guide told us anyway. There are also some tunnels that North Korea dug in the 1970s in an attempt to infultrate the South. I was able to see these but not allowed to take pictures. This was an awesome tour!!! It really put things into perspective as to why there are U.S. personnel still stationed in Korea. Korea is a great example of how patience pays off. Korea just celebrated their Independence Day. It was really cool to see the shady Adashi driving around in their cabs with the South Korean Flag flying on their back atennia. It is a true testament that democracy and freedom can work if given a chance. It is truly one the UN's only success stories.