Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

During his visit to the VHS Medical Center,

Minister Lee Jong-sup met with the father of late Lieutenant Commander Yoon Young-ha and expressed his hope for his recovery;

Lee also encouraged the medical staff, asking them to “treat the war veterans like family members”

Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup stressed again that the ministry will treat men of national merit and their bereaved families with the utmost sincerity so that they can have a sense of pride.

Lee made the statement during his visit to the VHS Medical Center in Gangdong-gu, Seoul on June 22, saying that “the ministry will take care of the men of national merit more warmly.”

Marking the month of appreciation for patriots and veterans, Lee’s visit to the VHS Medical Center was pushed to express his gratitude and consolation to the senior soldiers who had devoted themselves to protecting the nation.

During his Wednesday visit, Lee paid tribute to the men of national merit hospitalized in the center, and expressed his gratitude to them for their sacrifices and dedication to protecting the nation. His visit was conducted in a separate reception room in consideration of the COVID-19 situation.

During his visit, Lee met with Yoon Du-ho, father of the late Lieutenant Commander Yoon Young-ha who died in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong and who had received a 5th class order of military merit for his delivery of a spy ship on the north coast of Yeongheung Island in West Sea in June 1970 after being commissioned as a naval officer, and Go In-seon who had played an active part in the Vietnam War, and expressed his hope for their recovery while offering care packages.

“I would like express my respect and gratitude for the dedication that has been transmitted from generation to generation. We owe the ROK as it exists today to those who devoted themselves to our nation, like you and the late Lieutenant Commander Yoon Young-ha,” Lee said to Yoon.

Lee also promised Go that “the ROK will take good care of the men of national merit and their bereaved families, and treat them with the utmost sincerity so that they can live with a sense of pride.”

Lee also praised the medical staff and employees of VHS Medical Center, as well as Director Yoo Geun-young, for their hard work.

Lee asked them to “treat the war veterans with the greatest care, like their families, so that they can have self-confidence,” stressing the importance of “rewarding patriotism.”

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

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>