Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to visit the Land of the Morning Calm. Reverend Moon and I have wanted to invite you to our homeland for a long time. For ten years, we have thought about this.
We discussed many things that we wanted to show you and do for you. It is very meaningful that you have come, and I am truly grateful to all of you.
Traditionally, the Korean people are known as a nation of people clothed in white.
Korean people love God very deeply, and we wear white clothing as a symbol of God's purity.
We respect our ancestors very much, and we are a peace-loving people. Hundreds of times our country has been invaded by other nations, but we always overcame these difficulties. And in our 5,000-year history, Korea has never attacked another nation. For this reason, we are known as the Land of the Morning Calm.
During the Korean War in the 1950s, we suffered incredible tragedy. But God helped us. Young military forces from sixteen countries came to our aid. During that difficult time, the people of South Korea united with the UN forces.
Through that unity, we were able to protect our freedom from the attack of the communists. From the 1970s, our people worked very hard. Today, Korea is recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Because of our growth, Korea was chosen as the host for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games.
The people of Korea are grateful that our country will host this global event. History has shown us that behind every great man, there is a woman. In this sense, I respect all of you very much.
You have helped your husbands create many things to help humankind. I also try to be a wonderful helper for my husband, Reverend Moon. But it is hard because, as you know, his ideals and goals are very high. Occasionally, I wonder how good a job I am doing helping my husband. I never get a report card.
If you have a chance to ask him, please do so, and let me know what he says.
Anyway, I gave him 12 lovely children, so I hope he will give me one medal at least. In Korean history we have had many incredible women who have been greatly respected. They brought honor to their families.
During times when Korea was attacked by other countries, many women gave their lives helping their husbands fight.
Today the world situation is becoming dark. Many families are breaking up. My heart is so sad to see the collapse of traditional family values. I think women must give love and must cultivate a sacrificial spirit.
When God dwells in every home, parents and children will have God's love and hope. With families as the cornerstone of society, all of our nations and our world will become gorgeous and filled with God's love.
We will all be one family under one God. Today, you and your husbands came here to combine all of your spirit and strength to work for world peace, the happiness of humankind, and a better world for our children.
I hope I can become closer to you all. I want to share love and friendship with you, even after you return to your countries. Our time together here in Korea will remain with me as a pleasant memory, and I hope it will be the same for you.
I pray that God's great love will be with you during your time in Korea, and that He will always dwell within your families. Thank you very much.
Hak Ja Han Moon