YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - The 12th Annual Korean and English Speech Contest was held here Sept. 30 to give American Soldiers and Korean students a chance to demonstrate their speech skills in their non-native language.
The finalists consisted of seven American Soldiers, ranging from private to staff sergeant, and six Korean elementary school students who had long prepared to deliver their speeches.
In their speeches, U.S. Soldiers emphasized that they were not only learning the Korean language, but also trying to understand the Korean culture.
"I love Korean culture. I also like the respect and mutual relationships that I can build regardless of my age and appearance," said Spc. Sean M. Pedersen, in his speech titled "Understanding Korean culture."
In his speech titled "Increasing the cooperative relationship between United States Forces Korea and the ROK Army," Pvt. John Lee stressed his firm belief in the ROK-U.S. alliance.
Divided into lower grade and upper grade divisions, elementary school students also presented their English speaking skills.
In addition to their fluent English, the young students mature ideas impressed the audience.
During her speech "The necessity of the enhancement of ROK-US Alliance," Shincheon Elementary School 3rd grader Park Ji-min said, "Communication is the best solution to misunderstanding and conflict. The only difference between America and Korea is the way of expressing ourselves and habits. Therefore, we all have to bear understanding and considerate hearts."
After nearly three hours, the contest ended as the judges praised the enthusiasm that the contestants showed.
Col. Kwon Young-gil, the commander of ROK Army Support Group, awarded all of the winners with a certificate, Korean traditional craftwork and a coin.
Korean Speech Award Winners
Grand Award
Staff Sgt. Jamin E. Bassette, TANGO Security Forces
Gold Award
Spc. Michael Phares, 719th Military Intelligence Battalion
Pvt. John Lee, 1-38 Field Artillery
Silver Award
Spc. Sean M. Pedersen, 4-7 Cavalry
Pfc. Jin Aishan, 2nd Infantry Division, 4th Chemical Company
Bronze Award
Spc. Daquan M. Robbins Smith, 6th Ordinary Battalion
English Speech Award Winners
Grand Award
Park Sung-min, Jihaeng Elementary School
Park Ji-min, Shincheon Elementary School
Gold Award
Yun Hyo-jeong, Gyesung Elementary School
Park Ye-won, Waegwan Elementary School
Silver Award
Park Soo-hyun, Waegwan-Chungang Elementary School
Jyeon Jin-wook, Sosabul Elementary School
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