President Moon Jae-in on June 6 delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the 66th annual Memorial Day at Seoul National Cemetery in the city's Dongjak-gu District.

By Kim Eun-young and Yoon Sojung
Photos: Cheong Wa Dae Facebook

President Moon Jae-in on June 6 pledged to "take another big step toward the denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula." 

In a speech to mark the 66th annual Memorial Day at Seoul National Cemetery in the city's Dongjak-gu District, he said, "(U.S.) President (Joe) Biden and I decided to surmount COVID-19 together through a strong vaccine alliance and agreed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to achieve denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula."

"Today, before the patriotic souls who defended freedom and peace, I dedicated a commemorative plaque made out of iron melted down from military frontline fences and articles left by fallen heroes," he added. "We will end the pain of division and build peace through strong national defense capabilities.”

"I believe that this is the way to repay the spirits of the persons of national merit who fought for the country's independence, defense and democracy."

Mentioning his attendance at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Korean War Veterans Memorial's Wall of Remembrance in Washington during his visit to the U.S. last month, the president said, "I was able to confirm the friendship and solidarity built on the values of freedom and democracy."

"The Government will more actively respond to the changing international order and security environment on the strength of the robust ROK (Republic of Korea)-U.S. alliance."

On United Nations veterans who fought in the Korean War, he said, "Every single one of them demonstrated unforgettable patriotism and became a root nurturing the Republic of Korea."

"I express my heartfelt respect for their noble sacrifices and dedication. My deepest sympathy and gratitude also go to the bereaved families."

Under the theme "We will remember you in the name of the Republic of Korea," this year's ceremony featured videoconferencing that connected in real time the nation's three national cemeteries – one in Seoul, another in Daejeon and the third being the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan.

The main ceremony was held after an inaugural event for the shifting of Hyeonchungmun Gate. From this year, the cemetery will continue to hold the shifting ceremony to show respect for those buried at national cemeteries.

President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook on June 6 attend a ceremony to mark the 66th annual Memorial Day at Seoul National Cemetery in the city's Dongjak-gu District.