The Honorable Park Won Soon, Mayor of Seoul, Republic of Korea
On January 9, Mayor Park Won Soon of Seoul paid a visit to the Korean War Memorial in the Presidio of San Francisco. He was accompanied by representatives of his Metropolitan Government. Waiting to welcome the visitors were KWMF President and Chairman Judge Quentin L. Kopp and KWMF’s other officers and Board members. This was the Mayor’s second visit to the Memorial, and the KWMF representatives were pleased to renew their friendship with this special guest.
On January 9, Mayor Park Won Soon of Seoul paid a visit to the Korean War Memorial in the Presidio of San Francisco. He was accompanied by representatives of his Metropolitan Government. Waiting to welcome the visitors were KWMF President and Chairman Judge Quentin L. Kopp and KWMF’s other officers and Board members. This was the Mayor’s second visit to the Memorial, and the KWMF representatives were pleased to renew their friendship with this special guest.
Following the wreath ceremony, the American hosts and their Korean guests moved to the commemorative tiles and plaques on the Memorial perimeter along Lincoln Boulevard.
A solemn moment: Judge Kopp and the Mayor read the commemorative inscriptions, many with the initials “KIA”.
KWMF Board member Pete Gleichenhaus spoke with the Mayor.
The Mayor stopped for a brief rest and chat with KWMF Co-Founder and Treasurer Don Reid, a Korean War veteran, on the bench that Don and his late wife Helen, a Korean-American, donated to the Memorial.
As the group made its way back to the Memorial entrance and the visit was about to draw to a close, Mayor Park and Judge Kopp exchanged gifts as members of the Mayor’s delegation looked on. The Mayor seemed pleased to receive a local favorite: a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
KWMF’s officers thanked the Mayor and his delegation, and wished them a safe journey home.
Later, following Mayor Park’s return to Korea, Judge Kopp and the Mayor exchanged letters of appreciation. The Mayor’s letter included a special invitation to KWMF’s officers.
