The Vale of Tears

All hell broke loose. A whistle-sound from artillery shell travels at high speed through the air and later followed by a flash of explosion as it hits the ground. Not far from there a group of soldiers are preparing to take the last train to glory, fighting for their lives and land as enemy’s armour advancing on their Dunkirk spirit. “No enemies shall pass this parallel” that is the order they have taken. My imagination flies high while I stand on the top of the combat land when sixty-four years ago an epic war occurs in the Korean peninsula. It was begin and end here, the 38th parallel.

In front of me stood three building painted in peace-light blue colour, typical with UN’s. On the back of these buildings is Panmungak, symbolic building representing North Korea. Three-story building with tinted windows and some pieces of binoculars installed right facing south, as if to demonstrate a high level of vigilance.

It is silent as the dead while entering one of the light blue buildings. The room is like a room from the early 20th century, chairs and tables are still made of natural wood treated with caution, it can be seen from how clean and well-polished the table and chairs. On the south side of the room’s wall displayed the flag of the countries that participated in the armistice known as the guardian of the armistice. The room guarded by few of South Korea's military police. They are fully dressed with a hand gun and they are black belt in Tae Kwon Do or Judo, we were told not to mess around with them, after all that is the last thing we need in this dangerous and intense area. Their view drawn eastward in line with the UN flag that is on the table. We cannot see the eyes because of the sunglasses; all the purpose is to give an intimidation looks.

I am almost died of curiosity to peer through the window and see closer the concrete of military demarcation line, which literally divides the nations and prohibits people crossing to each side. I am imagining how a line divides the two governments, splitting families and relatives, mothers and children who had been with before. They probably will not see each other for a long time maybe even forever. All humanity dynamics and aspects are at the expensive price to buy here. An irony where it gains its name as the truce village but until now no further peace agreement is made. It is a vale of tears that we all shared once we put our foot in the truce village.