Our son is a fifth grader this year. Ever since he was about seven years old, he raised his hand in salute whenever he saw a passing soldier or even when he heard the sound of a fighter jet in the sky.
Our family naturally started attending military-related events on a frequent basis. In 2021, we were in attendance at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Airfield. Last year, we attended the “World Military Culture Expo” in Gyeryong City, where the headquarters of the Republic of Korea Forces is located.
Visiting these various military-related events, both big and small, provided great opportunities to experience the excellence of our national defense capabilities and to engrave the patriotic spirit deep in our hearts.
Even at a young age, my son seems to recognize that the freedoms and economic prosperity we enjoy today are all thanks to the dedication and sacrifices of our national heroes and the endless efforts of the soldiers who resolutely protect our country.
prosperity - the condition of being successful or thriving
base - a place where there are military buildings and weapons and where members of the armed forces live
우리 아들은 올해 초등학교 5학년이다. 아들은 일곱 살 무렵부터 지나가는 군인을 보거나 하늘에서 전투기 소리만 들어도 거수경례를 하곤 했다.
우리 가족은 자연스럽게 군 관련 행사에 자주 참석하기 시작했다. 2021년에는 서울 비행장에서 열린 '서울 국제 항공우주 및 방위산업 전시회(ADEX)'에 다녀왔다. 작년에는 대한민국 국군 본부가 있는 계룡시에서 열린 '세계군문화엑스포'에도 참석했다.
이처럼 크고 작은 다양한 군 관련 행사를 참관하면서 우리 국방력의 우수성을 체험하고 애국정신을 가슴 깊이 새길 수 있는 좋은 기회가 되었다.
아들은 어린 나이에도 오늘날 우리가 누리는 자유와 경제적 풍요로움이 모두 호국영웅들의 헌신과 희생, 그리고 나라를 굳건히 지키는 장병들의 끊임없는 노력 덕분이라는 것을 잘 알고 있는 것 같다.
- I’ve organized many events, both big and small. / I am interested in all sorts of buildings, both big and small.
- The trip was a great opportunity to experience the local culture. / An internship is a great opportunity to experience what a job would be like.
- My success is all thanks to my wife. / It is all thanks to our team that the project was completed on time.
A: Your son is serving in the military, isn’t he?
B: Yes, it’s been about 5 months since he entered the service.
A: I’m sure he’s doing well in his military life.
B: I recently went to visit him on base.
A: Oh, it must have been nice to see him after such a long time.
B: Of course. I bought some goodies for him to share with his squad mates.
