I'm deeply touched by Dong Yun Yoon's depth of humanity, an angel touched by God; may God's love bring the strength and courage needed to heal the Marine pilot's suffering heart and comfort to the families involved.

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What a terrific example this man is. Though I hope I'd be able to show the same forgiveness, I seriously doubt I could show the same grace and dignity so soon after the tragedy.

But can we leave the politics (the "patriot" comment) out of this heartbreaking situation? Your reference was certainly more subtle than Michelle's, but . . .

What's politics have to do with patiotism?

Stating "He is one of our treasures for the country," is obviously expressing his feelings for this country (I'm sure why he immigrated here) and one of the men who fights for it. That's what makes him a patriot. There's nothing political about this.

Mrs. G, you're right. How I missed that comment of Mr. Yoon's the first time through is beyond me. His own comment opened the door to a discussion of his patriotism.

You also have a point about patriotism and politics. But patriotism has been tossed around a lot in politics the last few years. While I think you may be technically correct, the reality today is that a discussion of patriotism (or lack thereof) is political.

All that said, I still wish that bloggers would concentrate on the forgiveness this man has given and the dignity he has demonstrated rather than sieze on the patriotic comment. Taking the comment I missed into account, I think your post actually strikes a good balance. But I still think Michelle's was skewed too much toward the patriotism angle.

I have no tolerance for those that like to confuse the two, you either love this country and the men and women that defend it or you don't. That defines a patiot.

Those that like to blurr that line have their own agendas.

Michelle's comment on his patiotism is valid and I disagree that it's political, however pulling the immigration angle was political and really unwarranted, but that's Michelle for ya.

This man's forgiveness speak volumes of his character and I hope the military does right by him.

What a terrible price this man had to pay, though, and what an awful burden this pilot must carry.

And yes, love of country and the people who defend it can move someone to forgive such a terrible accident. That kind of patriotism transcends politics. And it always seems newer citizens appreciate that more than those who are lucky enough to have been American by birth.

Haven't seen Michelle's take on it yet, but I hope this pilot takes this man's words to heart, and lets them lighten his load. What a terrible thing to have happen just before Christmas.

Thanks for posting this here. I was moved to tears when I first read of Mr. Yoon’s response to this awful accident. His concern for the pilot speaks so highly of his character in a time of heartrending loss for him. Is he a patriot? sure, he wanted to come to this country and to raise his family here. His statement about the pilot, "He is one of the treasures for our country" is an attitude that more people should have toward our armed forces. Mr. Yoon is also one of the treasures for our country. What a kind and wonderful human being. Anyone can find something to learn from Mr. Yoon. What that lesson is, I suppose is up to the recipient. I will pray for all of them.