Suddenly the square got very quiet. A microphone was set up on the reviewing stand in front of the Grand People’s Study House. Several men came out of the Study House and approached the microphone including General Yao and two former ministers. The ministers were in their best gray communist attire, but looked old beyond their years. They clearly were uneasy doing what they were about to do.
The Minister of the Treasury was chosen to make the announcement. He walked straight to the microphone and looked out over the thousands of troops there. He also saw the men on the rooftops with their weapons ready. He had been clearly warned what would happen if he screwed this up.
“Citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea! For many years your government has deceived you into thinking it was all powerful and its leaders deities. As a representative of that government, I am here to tell you that is wrong. Your government has been guilty of depriving you of your resources, your freedoms, and in some cases your lives so the leadership could do as they wished. Most recently, leaders in your government used nuclear weapons against not only other nations, but other Koreans as well. They caused us to be in a new conflict resulting in the deaths of many thousands of our soldiers — the best of our youth. Just a few days ago, most of the government leadership was killed in an explosion of their own nuclear weapons.
Because of this, as one of the last representatives of that government, I am ordering all fighting to cease in place. I am ordering all people responsible for the use of these nuclear weapons be brought to justice along with anyone guilty of war crimes. I am also ordering that all nuclear weapons plants cease operations and, except for producing electrical power, be dismantled. I am also ordering all munitions and weapons facilities to cease operation. The fighting and the threat of this country shall end now.”
“As our last official act, we are also ordering that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea cease to be and all governmental functions transfer. From this moment on, we shall all serve under the flag of the Republic of Korea. We are turning the reins of government over to General Yao, the representative for the government in Seoul.
The cheer went up from the crowd on hand. The people in the government buildings were too stunned to move. Eventually, they abandoned their buildings and joined the rest.
General Yao walked to the microphone. “People of Korea,” he started in a softer, calm voice. “On behalf of my government, I welcome you to a unified Korea. Beginning today, all political prisoners wherever they are, will be released. We are working with the people in your former government to make sure there will be plenty to eat and that no one will suffer through this transition.”
“We ask that all government employees remain at their jobs so the trains and other transportation will continue to run, the electricity remains on, and people can get assistance when they need it. Government representatives will be here beginning tomorrow to help each department understand its new responsibilities and new guidelines. All basic freedoms shall be observed, including freedom to travel, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and all other freedoms shared in the Republic of Korea.”
“To the former citizens of North Korea, you have suffered for a long time. But you should not be ashamed of the people who served in your armed forces. They fought bravely and valiantly for what they were told was right and good. It is a shame that so many lost their lives, but as of today no more of those lives will be lost. General Moa shall enter the city in a few days with his troops and will be treated with honor and respect. His actions saved the lives of over 100,000 of your soldiers.”
“Let us all now turn towards rebuilding our nation. What once was divided is now whole. What once was oppressive is now gentle. What once was despised is now welcomed. Let us rebuild Korea into what it should be; a land of free people building a better world for all,” he said closing out his short speech. There was much he hadn’t said, but long speeches were not his way. Through the applause, the men shook hands and headed back into the Study House.
After they were dismissed, the soldiers spread out around the city, meeting people, shaking hands, and spreading goodwill. Although many were concerned about radical elements that might fight, not a single shot was fired. What had started with a loud bang ended in a whimper.
Although the event in Pyongyang occurred at noon, it was only 11 pm in Washington. Despite that, the government interrupted the broadcasts for a special announcement. Once again the President would speak to the nation. There had been some earlier announcements that the President would speak, and many stayed up to hear and, in many cases, see the President, now that most of the transmitters and many receivers were operating.
The announcer came on and introduced the President. The images were not like the ones before. He didn’t look so tired or so serious. People immediately knew something special had happened.
“My fellow Americans, I come to you tonight to share some news. Just one minute ago government ministers in Pyongyang announced the end of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The war is over. After a cease fire with North Korean forces remaining in the south, Allied forces surrounded the capital. This morning South Korean forces entered the city and the government collapsed. All of Korea is now the Republic of Korea, a unified nation for the first time in over 75 years.”
“As a part of this event, comes a pledge to bring to justice anyone who had a part in the nuclear attack upon the United States and other nations. All people involved in war crimes will also be brought to justice. Political prisoners and POWs will be released and all weapons plants dismantled. In addition, all remaining weapons of mass destruction of any kind will be turned over to us for dismantling.”
“I ask you to join me in prayer tonight for our soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have fought so bravely and so gallantly during this conflict. You have seen in the news some of their daring and their heroism. Although we will remain in Korea for about another month to help get things stabilized, we will be bringing all of our forces home.”
“Let us also say a little prayer for the Republic of Korea. This small nation is going to be busy rebuilding after so much destruction and after decades of oppressive rule in the North. We will do everything we can to help.”
“So tonight let us celebrate. I am declaring tomorrow a holiday. Let us all celebrate the end of a conflict and hopefully a long and prosperous period of peace. Good night.”
It was reminiscent of photographs taken upon the announcement of the end of the Second World War. People came out of buildings all across the nation to celebrate in the streets. Lights burned brightly and confetti poured down on Times Square just as before and people hugged, kissed, and danced. In California it was only 7 pm and traffic stopped on all the streets for the celebration. On some streets, local bar owners brought their stock outside and served free drinks adding to the festivities. News crews happily shot footage of the people having a blast for use in later news stories. Still photographers all vied for the one photograph that might catch the essence of the moment much as Alfred Eisenstaedt did for LIFE magazine on VJ Day in 1945.
In Vallejo, Jack Latham walked out of his office in the shipyard and into one of the main shops. It had no radio, only canned music so that men could concentrate on their jobs. He picked up the microphone on the overhead announcing system.
“Can I have your attention, please. Stop all work for a moment if you can. I have an announcement.”