Staff writer
A new monument honoring Father Emil Kapuan of Pilsen was unveiled Dec. 17 in Seoul, S.K, much to the delight of Catholic parishioners and the Wichita Diocese.
Rosemary Neuwirth of Lincolnville said she didn’t know about it until someone shared a Facebook post of a news article in Stars and Stripes, an Army publication. Father John Hotze of the Wichita Diocese said the Army sent the article to him. It was published Dec. 31.
The granite stone was erected by the U.S. Army Garrison Daegu in front of the Camp Walker chapel named in Kapaun’s honor. It includes an image of Chaplain Kapaun supporting an injured soldier. The inscription reads:
Chaplain (Captain)
Emil Joseph Kapaun
April 20, 1918 – May 23, 1951
Captured by Chinese Communists
On November 3, 1950 and died
P.O.W. Pyoklong, Korea on May 2, 1951
He paid the ultimate
sacrifice and consecrated
the soul of Korea.
“Nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the fallen.”
In a story about the unveiling, published on www.stripes.com, Chaplain Maj. Moon Kim was quoted as saying few South Koreans know Kapaun’s story. He said his story is an inspiration for military chaplains, especially when they deploy or go other places.
“He gave his life,” he said, “and is a motivation to not complain, to do your best. We all need those kinds of heroes.”