Amare Worku
Bio
Amare Worku was born in the Gondar region of Ethiopia on February 9, 1931. He spent his childhood farming alongside his family and attended the church school. He joined the military in 1945 during the time that Italy was attempting to occupy Ethiopia. He served under the reign of Emperor Selassie. As the Korean War broke out, Emperor Selassie sent troops to help Korea and to offer their support. Having no prior knowledge of Korea, he went and found it to be empty, destroyed, and the people living and sleeping on the ground. At that time, he found it very difficult to offer any hope that Korea would ever recover. After all of the war and sadness, he is happy to see the progress and success that Korea experiences today.
Video Clips
No Hope for Korea
Amare Worku recalls a time in Korea when he thought there was no hope for the country to recover from the devastating war. He remembers the snow even being difficult to navigate, adding to the misery. He expresses a sense of relief at what Korea has become today.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvTkzMhloSs&start=1201&end=1317
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/amare-worku#clip-1
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Italian Occupation of Ethiopia
Amare Worku recalls the failed Italian occupation of Ethiopia just prior to the Korean War. He explains how Italy tried for six years to occupy the country but could not so they finally withdrew. He remembers the feelings associated with being occupied.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvTkzMhloSs&start=729&end=818
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/amare-worku#clip-2
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