Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“Forever remembering the noble sacrifice for protecting freedom”

The 36th Division paid its respects to the souls of Dutch war veterans who fought for protecting freedom during the 6·25 Korean War.

The division, on May 2, participated in the “Memorial ceremony for Dutch war veterans” held by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Korea and pledged to remember their noble sacrifices for freedom forever.

The ceremony was held in front of the Dutch Korean War Memorial in Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do, and the “Lieutenant Colonel Den Ouden Memorial” at Samil park in Hoengseong-eup, Ganwon-do as well, attended by around 100 people including Charge d’Affaires Marjo Crompovets of the Dutch Embassy, Korean War veterans, division commander, soldiers of the 36th Division, and heads of local authorities and government.

The Netherlands had sent 5,322 Army and Navy troops when the Korean War broke out and contributed greatly to the protection of freedom in Korea.

Their losses reached 120 war dead, 645 injured and three prisoners during the war.

“I’ve found that a lot of war veterans including Dutch Army were sacrificed to protect Korea. I’ll do my best during my service to not let their blood for us run to waste,” said Private Lee Ji-hun.

By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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