The reality of war we must not forget

Oct 16 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT was 60 years ago when Dalton man John Shaw was sent to serve his country in Korea.

But the memories are still raw today as he talks about serving for 14 months in what is known as The Forgotten War.

Mr Shaw, now a grandfather of three, has been recognised for his service and it’s taken him by surprise too as a letter from the President of the Republic of Korea suddenly landed on his doormat.

It comes as Korea and its citizens mark the outbreak of the war which led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of people. They do so to recognise the sacrifices many thousands of people made, not only with their service but, for some, with their lives too.

Among those to lose their lives were members of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment – Mr Shaw’s regiment.

He saw his comrades lose their lives and be wounded in a war which was far from home and which started more than five years after the Second World War.

The experiences of war are still a reality for many who are currently serving in places like Afghanistan and Iraq – and for their families back home.

In the letter, the President thanks Mr Shaw for his ‘selfless sacrifice’ and that’s something we should all do and continue to do, not only for Mr Shaw but for all those like him.