Figure 1.--Here we see an uidentified Americann unit histing a Christmas Party, probably about 1951. This party seems to being held at the unit rather than at an orphanage, but the centerpiece is Santa and his bag of goodies. |
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Christmas is of course a magical time for children. And the American soldiers helping out and the various orphanages that were opened in Korea wanted to make Christmas a special time for the children who had lost their parents. It was a perfect fit as the soldiers were away from home and for the most spending their first Christmas away from the family. Doing something to bring a little joy into the lives of these children, helped to make the holiday special. The various units would collect money to pay for decorations, food, and of course presents, both clothes and toys. Not only did the donations come from men in units supporting the 400 orphnages, but also men in units that were not supporting orphanages. Many men wrote home to inform their family and friends as well as the churches they attended. Of The money wentv to support Cgristmas parties for the children. Of course the parties were huge hits. Most of the children had bever seen anything like these parties. And there was always a Santa Clause who never failed to delight the younger children. They sat on Santa's lap just like Ameruican kids. Here is an example of what was taking place all over Korea. "WITH EIGHTH ARMY --- Plans are being laid by the 728th Military Police Battalion, to bring Christmas cheer and spirit to some 200 Korean orphan children in three orphanages in their area come Dec. 25. This MP unit, commanded by Lt. Col. Alonso E. Wood, of Lynchburg, Va., is going all out to make Christmas an enjoyable time for the children of the Al Kwhang and Boo Ik orphanages in Inchon, and the Suwon Free orphanage garden in Suwan. The officers and enlisted men of the battalion have set up donation boxes in all companies. The money will be used to buy gifts on the Korean market. Individual gifts will be wrapped, using the holiday wrappings from boxes and packages received from the States and delivered to the three orphanages on Christmas day." 【728th MPs ...】 American soldiers in Korea continue this tradution to this day, akthough in amaller scale as the need is no longer so great in modern prosperous Korea and there are far fewer A,erican soldiers in Korea.
"728th MPs Plan Fete For 260 Korean Kids," Pacific Stars and Stripes (December 12, 1951).
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