Saying good-bye to a hero

On August 18, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates lost one of their own. South Koreans lost a fiery pro-democracy activist who went on to lead their country toward reconciliation with North Korea. We all lost a great peacemaker.

As a democracy activist under the Park military regimes, Kim Dae Jung had survived three assassination attempts, a kidnaping, a death sentence and an extended house arrest. Later, as President, he opened the door with North Korea and did the unthinkable -- he started communicating. And opening channels. And working toward what will be the ultimate solution to the Korean conflict -- reunification of the country.

Brilliant, warm, a gentleman, he was held in the highest esteem by his fellow Nobel Laureates. He was always available for us at TheCommunity.com. After 9/11, when we were collecting statements from the Nobel Laureates, he was in an extremely delicate position, as he was in office, an acting Head of State of a US ally. Still he had his staff work with us to issue a statement that was appropriate. He frequently lent his name to letters in support of actions of the other Laureates. His staff became our friends. He was a quiet person, and his impact was enormous. We miss him.

Read Mary Wald, Chairman of TheCommunity.com, on the Huffington Post

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