The Korean conflict ended in 1953. In the ensuing 65 years since North Korea heavily bombed its neighboring country, South Korea, it’s amazing how this war-ravaged Asian country has lifted itself from the depths of complete poverty to a remarkable recovery of wealth and beautifully constructed buildings.

When this writer was stationed in the Army with a radio company in the rice fields of Korea, in 1952, it was the most defeated country that lost everything. South Korea lay in total ruins. Their homes bombarded, the people walked the desolate streets, hoping to scrounge a few scraps of food to keep them from starving.

To view the newly built Korea was awesome during the two-week Winter Olympics. For a poverty-stricken country to make a fully recovered fantastic achievement over six and a half decades is truly ultra-remarkable, almost impossible, but it had the productive energy, willpower and fortitude to bring itself out of the ashes to a land of richness and total beauty. The Korean people are to be honored and respected for their amazing comeback.

It’s too bad South Korea is situated next door to the deranged mind of North Korea’s criminally minded president. Another power-driven Hitler who would like to conquer the universe with his threats to press a button and destroy many countries. He’ll find his country blown to smithereens if he attempts such a horrendous act of devastation.

In conclusion, the Winter Olympics were awesome and brilliantly performed. The figure skating was done to perfection. How self-complacent those athletes must feel bringing home the silver and bronze medals, but miraculously of all, those who achieved the gold.

God bless America

Earle E. Stahler

West Penn Township