On the 72nd anniversary of Korean War on June 25
By Publisher Lee Kyung-sik with Feature Editor Kim Hyung-dae
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs hosts an impressive event to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War.
More than 1,500 people will attend, including Korean and foreign veterans, government officials, citizens and students.
The central event of the June 25th anniversary of Korean War, which marks its 72nd year this year, will be held at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul on the June 25 this year, which is the day when the Korean War broke out by the invasion forces of the North Korea crossing the 38th parallel, then demarcation line between the ROK and North Korea.
Minister Park Minshik of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said: “The 72nd Anniversary of the Korean War is held to commemorate the sacrifice and devotion of the Korean and foreign veterans of the Korean War, to recall the lessons of the Korean War, and to raise awareness of the importance of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. It will be held at 10 a.m. on the 25th at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul.”
This year's event, on the theme of "Freedom to be protected, peace to be preserved," plans to deliver the message, "Let's protect the free Republic of Korea, who was protected by the noble sacrifices of countless heroes of our country, as a sustainable peace that blossoms freedom and prosperity."
About 1,500 people, including Korean and foreign veterans, government officials, military officials, citizens, and students, are expected to attend the event.
This year's event, hosted by Army Sgt. Jo Daniel from the National Defense Promotion Agency, and Naval Sgt. Da-yeon Kim, will be held by an opening performance, entry of the flags of the 22 UN Korean War countries, national rituals, commemorative performance I, government awards, commemorative speech, commemorative performance II, and the Song of June 25 Korean War. It will run for 50 minutes.
Prior to the opening ceremony, the event begins with an opening video, playing trumpet, and reading a tribute.
Minister Park Minshik said, “Today’s Republic of Korea stands on the noble sacrifice and selfless contribution of the country’s patriots and veterans who dedicated their lives to national independence and democratic movements and protecting people’s lives and property.
“Serving and honoring the country’s patriots and veterans and their families with the highest dignity and passing their noble sacrifice and legacy to people and future generations are the power that integrates society and the force that drives the country’s progress.
“The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will do its best to realize the national agenda of “first-class veterans affairs of the country that takes care of its people to the end” and “a country that respects and remembers the people who sacrificed themselves for the country and its people.
“The ministry will improve the treatment, caring and support for our patriots and veterans to the highest level while spreading the culture of veterans affairs across society where people remember and respect patriotism in their daily lives.
“The Ministry will always respect the people’s viewpoints, listen to the voices from the scenes, and interact with our people.”
Starting on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War in 2010, the The Ministry has consistently hosted events to show appreciation for and honor Korean War veterans from the 21 UN allied nations.
The events are intended to express gratitude and respect for the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by UN Korean War veterans, who played such a crucial role in safeguarding the Republic of Korea in a time of great crisis.
The Republic of Korea also utilizes these opportunities to reinforce its alliances with those nations and pursue more cooperative partnerships in the future.
These events are hosted under the responsibility of the heads of diplomatic missions in allied countries and in close collaboration with local governments, which offer support and assistance in determining symbolic and meaningful locations for the events, among others.
Local programs held to show appreciation for and honor those who participated in the Korean War offer an invaluable opportunity for the Republic of Korea to consolidate its relationships with UN allies and strengthen future-oriented cooperative ties with these nations, and express to the international community Korea's deep and sincere gratitude over the helping hand extended by other countries when it was in desperate need.