YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea -- Familiar holiday tunes and traditional Korean beats collided with the sound of roaring applause at the Seoul Arts Center concert hall during the 8th American-Korean Friendship Holiday Concert, Dec. 6. Throughout the years the concert has become an annual event for service members and their families from both the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, giving them an opportunity to gather together to watch the Eighth Army Band and the Kook Soo Ho Didimdance Company perform in a flourish of dynamic colors.
Although it has been less than a decade since the event began, its foundation is based upon ties that are more than half a century old.
"8th Army has been in the Republic of Korea for over 65 years," said Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, Commanding General, Eighth Army Chief of Staff, United Nations Command, as he gave the opening speech. "We never left, never went home, never let you and the alliance down. In the process, you have welcomed us into your communities, into your churches, into your homes and into your hearts. We're very proud to serve the Republic of Korea and we consider it an honor."
As if to reflect upon these aspects, the Eighth Army Band, conducted by Lt. Col. Domingos Robinson, was joined by members from Capt. Eunji Kim's 51st Infantry Division of the ROK Army Band to perform a wide array of holiday selections. One particular piece, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," was performed while photographs taken during the Korean War were shown on a screen, especially wishing the best of the holidays to those who have had to spend the season away from their families.
The second part of the program contained performances by the Kook Soo Ho Didimdance Company. The widely acclaimed company has performed in several national, as well as global festivals and, with the distinctive cultural characteristics displayed in their pieces, caused a great sensation in the crowd.
"My favorite portion of the concert this year was the geomungo (a traditional stringed instrument) musical portion toward the end," said Sgt. Maj. Randy S. Smith, 1st Signal Brigade operations noncommissioned officer in charge. "Although it's my third year going to this event with my family, it's a new experience every time. I sure think the concert lived up to its name by creating a mixture [in culture] both on the stage and in the crowd."
Despite the differences in the music performed by each group, the crowd was brought together in admiration as they clapped after the end of each piece.
"In my mind, it's these simple moments when we gather to enjoy something collectively, especially during this special time of the year, that further enhance our relationships -- our friendship," said Champoux.
"This concert is just a small measure of appreciation as a simple way of saying thank you for your support and friendship for many, many years."
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