Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

‘Apache attack helicopter’ holds its first flight before the public

The motorcycle unit creates a magnificent spectacle

Events such as ‘military song medley covering different periods’

Our army showed off its strong will to punish the enemy, in celebration of the 68th Armed Forces Day.

On September 20, a spokesperson for the event planning group stated, “The celebration of the 68th Armed Forces Day will be held at the main military training grounds in Gyeryongdae on October 1. This will have the theme of ‘Protect the homeland! Powerful Korean Army!’ The celebration will serve as an opportunity to show off our strong will to restrain enemy provocations, and to punish the enemy as well. It will also promote our resolve to maintain our military readiness posture and high level of patriotism, particularly in light of the serious security situation: North Korea's 5th nuclear experiment.

For this reason, our attack helicopter, the ‘AH-64E Apache Guardian’, will appear in front of the people on Armed Forces Day for the firest time. Our helicopter is capable of destroying North Korea's tank forces. Currently integrated into the force, the Apache helicopter is going to fly with 3 army and navy formations, as well as 7 naval and air force formations featuring a fixed-wing aircraft, boasting its splendor.

In addition, the motorcycle unit will participate in this year’s event for the first time, and a parade will be held before the event. A Taekwondo demonstration will serve as the post-event ceremony. With 120 troops, these events create spectacular scenes while escorting the special forces.

When commanders in attendance arrive, they will celebrate the soldiers' honor, as they serve and devote themselves to their country. They will appear with all three armed forces: marine soldiers to exhibit their readiness posture, cadets, and military command. Among those soldiers who are celebrated for their readiness posture, the participation of Gunnery sergeant-to-be Kim Jung-won who showed a high soldier spirit  and comradeship when North Korea’s land mine provocation in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) drew attention.

In addition, various events will be held to promote patriotism among the people, inspiring a love for the military, such as the CH-47 helicopter's flight with a large Taegeukgi (30 m by 20 m in size) in the air above the event site, as well as a ‘military song medley covering different periods’, which will showcase well-known military songs for visitors.

An official with the event-planning group said, “We are going to invite those soldiers who sacrificed themselves for their country, as well as their families, including those wounded soldiers and the men of merit from the Battle of Yeonpyeong, their bereaved families, surviving soldiers of the Cheonan, and the families of the deceased. Families of pilots who died in duty, prestigious families who performed military service, and others will also be in attendance, so we can thank them and treat them with exceptional respect. We’ll hold a celebration on Armed Forces Day with our people and add a special meaning to the event.”

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >
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