İhsan Damdam, 94-year-old veteran İhsan Damdam, who participated in the Korean War, is happy and proud to be remembered by Koreans despite the years that have passed.
Damdam, who was among the soldiers assigned by the General Staff in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers to send forces to South Korea on 25 July 1950 with the call of the United Nations, met with the delegation from Seoul to Konya.
Damdam, who met with the delegation of the Health and Welfare Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Council of South Korea, who was in the city for a series of visits, upon the invitation of Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca, was very happy due to the respect shown to him.
Those in the delegation who bowed respectfully in front of Damdam also experienced moments full of emotion.
- "They said 'we would not be without you'"
Sharing his experiences during the loyalty visit with AA correspondent, Damdam said that he had an unforgettable day with Kılca's invitation.
Damdam stated that he was surprised to see the Koreans he met in the cafeteria and said, "I was going to buy olives at the Women's Market. The phone rang and they said, 'We will pick you up. They came from Seoul. When they saw me, they all embraced me, kissed my hand and hugged me. They are good people, they did not forget. This is the most important part. They hugged me, they cried, they said, 'Without you, we wouldn't exist. They came from the other side of the world, they did not forget. There are not many Korean veterans left, most of them are dead."
- "That's how they show respect"
Explaining that he was touched when he bowed in front of the delegation, Damdam said, "This is how they show respect. 20 years ago I went to Korea upon invitation. Everything has changed, they have developed. They used to come from Korea every year. They had not come for two years. I was touched when I saw them."
Kılca expressed his pleasure to host Koreans and said, "We have been instrumental in this beautiful meeting. They are our plane trees. We act with the endeavour not to lack the necessary respect and affection."