The Organization of Patriotsand Veterans of the Republic of Korea represent
the interests and rights of the patriots and veterans of this small nation,while
seeking to strengthen the ideological claims of the members of these
organizations.This organization manifests their symbolic meaning,like all other
institutions,utilizing tools such as language,behavior,rituals,ceremonies,myths,
ideas,and characters,and through these symbolic expressions expand and
reproduce certain ideas and values.In addition,each member ofthe Organization
of Patriots and Veterans involved in the interpretations and commentaries of
these symbolic meanings,resultsin giving some meaning or other to a specific
eventor action,or even to entities such as a single person or a group of
people.Through such processes of formation,expansion and reproduction of
symbolic meanings, the Organization of Patriots and Veterans themselves
operate as social institutions.This study examines 14 diverse representative
associations involving the Organization of Patriots and Veterans of the Republic
of Korea.This analysis delineates the basic philosophy and ideology of these
organizations as a key symbol,and explore how these symbols act on the
behaviors of the members of these organizations,as well as how society
perceives this organization.This work is based upon methodology utilizing both
cultural and symbolic approaches.It is because ofthe symbolic value that each
member of the Organization embodies,that these organizations enjoy a great
opportunity to receive love and respect from society.However,in order to
actually receivesuch loveand respect,these organizations should focusnoton
their official or self-promoting duties but on deliberate activities that will further
promote the symbols they embody,activities such as cultivating patriotism,
spreading the merits and achievements of the Organization of Patriots and
Veterans,and expressing their dedication to their country.