Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

On March 17, the 15th Army Division, Hwacheon-gun office, Gangwon-do, and Colombian Ambassador to Korea Tito Saúl Pinilla paid their respects to the noble souls of the Colombian soldiers who died protecting Korea in the 6·25 Korean War 60 years ago. 

The memorial ceremony was attended by Ambassador Pinilla, 15th divisional commander, Hwacheon-gun Governor Choi Mun-sun and around 100 soldiers of the division. The ceremony started with efforts of the division not to forget the noble sacrifice of war veterans. The division has created a battle memorial park for the UN’s combatant nations, including Colombia, that engaged in the Mt. Jeokgeun district during the 6·25 War while leading the memorial ceremonies inviting defense attachés of the combatant nations. This very ceremony was held with Ambassador Pinilla’s intention to attend as he was very much impressed with last year’s memorial ceremony.

Colombia is the only combatant country from Latin America and sent three convoys and a battalion-sized army from November 1951 to the end of the war. They made a significant contribution to the Geumseong district battle, the 400-meter hill Gimhwa battle, the battle of Old Baldy and so on. Among 5,314 Colombian war veterans, 213 of them died gloriously and 448 were injured. 

The ceremony program consisted of a salute to the fallen heroes while the division band played, a floral tribute and incense burning, a volley of rifles firing, silent prayer and commemoration planting. The participants hardened their will to remember the value of blood the Colombian war veterans spilled on our land. Private First Class Kim Jun-woo said, “The monument reminds me of the courage and sacrifice that the Colombian war veterans showed in faraway lands. I will never forget the noble sacrifice of those who spilled their blood for Korea.”

Meanwhile, Colombian Ambassador Pinilla said, “I am pleased to be here, the place Colombian soldiers waged fierce battles for freedom of Korea and it reminds me of old memories. Thank you to the Division and Hwacheon-gun office for providing this opportunity and welcome.”

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr>

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