Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

At event to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War,

with the theme ‘freedom defended, peace to be defended,’

the Order of Military Merit was conferred on the bereaved families of five war veterans.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized the significance of ‘rewarding patriotism with responsibility’

At the event to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War, the Order of Military Merit was conferred on the bereaved families of five war veterans including the late First Lieutenant Lee Young-hun, whose meritorious achievement during the war was only recently confirmed. The government clarified again that it will never forget the sacrifices and dedication of these patriotic heroes, and will treat them with respect and reward their patriotism to the end.

On June 25, the government held an event to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War at Jangchung Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul, with the aim of paying tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of the veterans in and outside the country who had participated in the Korean War, and ruminating on the lessons from the war.

Presided over by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in attendance, the event was held under the theme of ‘freedom defended, peace to be defended,’ conveying the message of the need to build a sustainable peace in which freedom and prosperity can blossom, with the freedom of the Republic of Korea defended through the noble sacrifices of many patriotic heroes.

The event was attended by about 1500 people, including war veterans from Korea and abroad, government officials, military officers, civilians, and students, and truly drove home the significance of the Korean War for all participants. The 50-minute event began with an opening performance, which was followed by the entry of the flags of the 22 UN nations that participated in the Korean War, the Pledge of Allegiance, PerformanceⅠ, government awarding, commemorative address, Performance Ⅱ, and singing the Song of the Korean War in unison. The event was hosted by Sergeant First Class Joe Daniel and Chief Petty Officer Kim Da-yeon belonging to the Defense Media Agency.

Prior to the opening of the event, an opening video, trumpet performance, and reading of a poem heightened the atmosphere. Significantly, the opening video showed the story of Shin Hyun-woo who had participated in the Battle of Mount Dosol and the Battle of Jangdan and Sacheon River, as a member of the Marine Corps, and the scene of the future generation folding paper into ‘patriotic butterflies’ which represent the 175,801 persons killed in the Korean War. Showing the future generation’s will to remember the sacrifices and dedication of war veterans, the video warmed the participants’ hearts. Corporal Lee Chang-in of the artillery brigade of the 15th Infantry Division read the dedication poem, which added significance to the event. Lee donated the prize money which he had received from a contest hosted by Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do earlier in the year, plus his pay, to the donation for war veterans.

The pledge to the national flag was read by Korean War veteran Ryu Jae-sik, 11th Maneuver Division Captain Park Sung-ri who is also the granddaughter of a war veteran, and Kim In-seop, who comes from a family with three generations who served honorably. PerformanceⅠconsisted of a chorus of ‘Children of New Country’ sung by the Little Angels choir, the entry of the flags of 22 ROK military units, a reading of ‘A Letter from A Soldier,’ and the chorus of ‘Farewell My Fellow Soldiers’ performed by enlisted singers. The Order of Military Merit was conferred on the bereaved families of five war veterans, including the late First Lieutenant Lee Young-hun, Master Sergeant Shim Im-seop, Staff Sergeant Yoon Jun-geol, and Sergeant Lee Won-jae and Shin Myung-cheol, after 72 years.

“Our history today can be attributed to the outstanding bravery and fighting spirit, and the sacrifices and dedication of the war veterans who were willing to participate in the war to protect freedom and peace on this land. The ROK will never forget these patriotic heroes,” Han said in his commemorative address, stressing that “we will reward the war veterans and their families, in keeping with the principle of ‘the state takes responsibility for rewarding patriotism to the end,’ so that they can live their lives in good health and with a sense of honor.”

“Our government will never forget the fact that peace is the result of a strong defense and security,” Han promised, expressing his concern about the recent threats from North Korea putting stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and global peace at risk. “Our government will strengthen the defense posture based on a firm ROK-US alliance, and respond swiftly and sternly to any threats by mobilizing all necessary measures. We will strive to maintain peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula for an ROK of liberty protected by our war veterans,” Han added.

Performance Ⅱ started with a video message, which was followed by the chorus of ‘Hymn of the Republic of Korea’ sung by the Little Angels choir, and the ministry’s enlisted singers. The event ended with the chorus of ‘Song of the Korean War,’ sung in unison by all participants.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr >

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