As columnist William Lambers marks the 70th anniversary of the armistice in Korea, I think of my dad, who was the radioman for a colonel in Korea [“Eisenhower’s gift to Korea after the armistice,” Recorder, July 27].

Critically short on funds, the U.N.’s World Food Program aids more than 120 countries, including 16 currently listed as “emergencies.” They report that eight of 10 food crises are driven by conflict. This was Korea’s fate in the 1950s as well as Yemen’s today, one country on Lambers’ list. Eisenhower’s foresight in 1953 provided South Koreans with more than food. It helped build stability, much-needed “long after the guns had gone silent.”   

Yemen continues to be one of those World Food Program emergencies. After more than eight years, the guns in Yemen had gone silent for the most part, but a Saudi-backed drone strike on a Yemeni hospital last week illustrates that peace has not arrived.

In the Saudi coalition’s war and blockade of Yemen, the U.S. is complicit: we are the Saudis’ largest arms supplier. Restricted seaports and only a few flights a week, compared to 30 per day pre-war, constitute a blockade. Yemenis can’t obtain sufficient food, fuel or medical care.

Almost half a million children under age 5 suffer from acute malnutrition — in proportion to total population, the equivalent of 5 million American children. Many are maimed or killed. Two-thirds of the people need humanitarian aid. There is no stability.

As humans, we have a moral imperative to relieve suffering. If we are responsible for that suffering, we must effect change. First, end U.S. military support for the Saudis. Then provide ample food aid to Yemen.

Around the world, war leads to immense hunger and misery.  It’s critical that Congress and we as individuals support food aid worldwide. As Mr. Lambers wrote, “The peace we seek will be founded on charity and food.” 

Dad would agree.

MaryDiane Baker

Action Corps VT organizer, volunteer, Brattleboro, Vermont 

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