President Obama’s Support for Korea

[성김 대사]

You may have already heard about various aspects of President Obama’s recent visit to South Korea, but I thought I would take a moment to share his heartfelt condolences to the Korean people.  I had always known that he had a deep affection and respect for Korea, but it was never clearer to me than on this occasion, demonstrated by his concern and respect for a country in mourning. 

From the moment the President landed at Osan Air Base, his first questions to me were related to the Sewol ferry tragedy.  As we rode together in his helicopter to Seoul, the President expressed his deep concern for those affected by the tragic incident and his desire to convey his heartfelt condolences.  As parents of teenagers, we could not even imagine the indescribable suffering the families are going through.

At the start of President Obama’s bilateral meeting with President Park, they shared a moment of silence to reflect on the victims of the Sewol.  As an expression‎ of the American people’s shared sorrow, President Obama brought with him the American flag that flew over the White House on the day of the ferry accident.  As President Obama explained, we have a tradition -- after the loss of our service members and veterans, we present a flag in their honor to their loved ones.  This flag symbolizes our solidarity with our Korean friends during this difficult time.

Sharing a Moment of Silence

President Obama also brought with him a magnolia tree sapling from the South Lawn of the White House as a gesture of sympathy to those affected by the Sewol tragedy.  It was given to Danwon High School and symbolizes the profound sympathy that the American people have for the families and loved ones of those who perished.  Magnolias have a long history at the White House and have decorated the White House grounds since former President Andrew Jackson planted one in memory of his deceased wife in the mid-1800s.  President Obama said the tree represents “beauty, and every spring, renewal” and noted his own daughters were the same age as some of the teenagers lost in the disaster. 

After the President’s departure, my wife and I went to Danwon High School to convey our sincere concern and condolences directly to school officials and visited the memorial altar.  It was a deeply sad experience for both of us.  We will continue to work hard, and try by all means at our disposal to offer comfort and support to our dear Korean friends.

[James33]

President Obama's joining Korean people in mourning touched everyone and they were touched deeply by his warmth and caring heart.