By Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in on June 23 said, "All the Korean War veterans are the pride of the Republic of Korea, and every single one of you are part of Korean history, ” in a reception at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul for such veterans to mark the 67th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.

Speaking to more than 500 participants including veterans of the Korean military and United Nations forces, their families and diplomatic corps from countries that sent soldiers to fight for South Korea in the war, he said, “Today’s proud Republic of Korea stands on the brilliant, indomitable spirit of the members of the Korean Armed Forces and the United Nations Forces who fought in the war.”

“Such grit and determination helped protect the Republic of Korea and produced a harvest of remarkable economic growth and democracy.”

Mentioning that he was the son of war refugees, the president said, “The son of a refugee from Hungnam could become the President of the Republic of Korea and join you all today. I hope this fact helps make the Korean War veterans of the U.N. Forces feel a sense of delight and reward.”

“The Government will work to raise war veteran honor allowances and expand medical welfare services to honor their sacrifices and contributions with appropriate treatment.”

President Moon added, “The government will prove by practice that the best welfare policy for war veterans is the foundation of firm security as well as a path leading to national unity and a strong nation.”



Mentioning North Korea’s series of military provocations, he said, “I will safeguard national security with the unwavering ROK-U.S. alliance and the overwhelming national defense capability,” adding, “I will visit the United States and have a summit next week. President Donald Trump and I will put our heads together to reinforce the Korea-U.S. alliance and solve the North Korean nuclear issue. I will further solidify cooperation with the international community.”

"Korea will never ever forget our friendship forged in blood and make efforts to cherish it. We will continue to develop such friendship.”

He concluded his speech by saying, “I believe that more strongly protecting and further developing freedom and democracy, achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula by eliminating the concern of war and, thus, contributing to world peace are ways to repay the sacrifice and dedication of the Korean War veterans.”

jiae5853@korea.kr