“You are a hero of our country. We love you.”
Children from a daycare in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province, have touched hearts with handwritten letters sent to police officers guarding Dokdo. The heartfelt messages, written with small hands, prompted a warm response from the Dokdo security team.
On October 25, in celebration of Dokdo Day, seven-year-olds from Purun Daycare in Gangjin delivered letters and snacks to the Dokdo security personnel.
This initiative aimed not only to teach children about the importance of Dokdo but also to express gratitude to those working hard to protect it.
The letters conveyed sincere emotions.
Kim Do-ah wrote, “Thank you for protecting us even in the cold weather. You are amazing, and keep up the good work!”
Park Yi-sol expressed concern for the officers, saying, “It must be tough working on Dokdo. Please stay healthy and don’t get sick.”
Kim Joo-an added, “Thank you for protecting our country. I am really proud of you,” while Park Ji-yeon declared, “The Dokdo security officers are heroes of our country. We love you.”
The heartfelt letters were received by the Dokdo security team.
The chief of the Ulleung (Dokdo) security team responded, saying, “We received the snacks and letters made with care from the Ongolban friends. Thank you so much for supporting the Dokdo security team.”
He also shared stories about a male Sapsaree dog named ‘Manse’ who lives with the officers on Dokdo.
In a letter accompanied by a photo, the chief informed the children that the three-year-old Sapsaree, along with the officers, is dedicated to protecting Dokdo day and night, and he introduced the daily life on Dokdo in a way that resonates with the children.
He encouraged the children to visit Dokdo someday to see its beautiful scenery and promised, “With the support of the Ongolban friends, we will work even harder to protect Dokdo.”
The chief also expressed gratitude to the daycare director and teachers for teaching the children about the significance of Dokdo.
Purun Daycare regularly conducts various educational activities to help children learn about the history and culture of Korea, especially around major national holidays and commemorative days.
This year, the education was expanded to include writing letters and expressing gratitude, providing children with an opportunity to put their learning into practice.
Lee Young-mi, the director of Purun Daycare, stated, “I wanted our children to know from a young age that Dokdo is our territory and to have the experience of expressing gratitude to those who work hard to protect our land.”
This exchange, initiated by the children’s small letters, has created a special connection between the distant Gangjin and Dokdo.
Meanwhile, Dokdo Day commemorates the proclamation of Imperial Decree No. 41 by the Korean Empire on October 25, 1900, which included Dokdo in the jurisdiction of Ulleung County. The letters of gratitude and support from the children of Purun Daycare will remain a testament to the meaning of patriotism practiced in everyday life.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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