[Full Text] President Moon's Commemorative Speech for the 5th West Sea Defense Day

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Dear respected citizens, veterans, and bereaved families, we mark the ‘West Sea Defense Day’ at a time when patriotism is needed more than ever.

We overcame colonization and war with patriotism, achieving economic growth and democracy. Through ‘solidarity and cooperation,’ we were able to overcome adversity, and that strength originated from patriotism that loves our land, neighbors, and history.

The sacrifice and dedication of the West Sea defense heroes symbolize that very patriotism.

At the crossroads of life and death amid flying bullets and shells, the heroes carried out their missions with indomitable spirit, demonstrating comradeship and fulfilling their duties as soldiers until the very last moment.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The patriotism practiced by the heroes became the freedom and peace of our homeland. With strong security that no one can challenge, we have been able to lead the international community’s trust and cooperation for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

Citizens remember the patriotism of the warriors not only here at the National Daejeon Cemetery but also across the country. At Changwon Jinhae Marine Park and the grounds of Seoul Capital Electric Technical High School, we encounter the noble dedication of Warrant Officer Han Ju-ho. At Gwangju Munseong Middle School and Gunsan Eunpa Park, we meet Corporal Seo Jeong-woo and Private Moon Gwang-wook, engraving unyielding courage in our hearts.

We pay tribute to the West Sea defense heroes who have become the pride and dignity of the people and extend our deepest condolences to their bereaved families.

Veterans and bereaved families, in the unprecedented crisis of ‘COVID-19,’ our military and families are leading the way in practicing patriotism.

The ‘46 Warriors Bereaved Families Association’ and the ‘Cheonan Ship Foundation’ delivered masks and donations to the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The hands of solidarity and cooperation that overcame pain have become the hope of the people.

Newly commissioned nursing officers and military doctors advanced their commissioning dates and rushed to Daegu, the frontline of ‘COVID-19.’ Reserve nursing officers provided medical support as civilians, and 35,000 soldiers voluntarily participated in blood donations.

The engineering corps deployed to the Armed Forces Daegu Hospital created beds for confirmed patients, and 12,000 troops and 6,000 military equipment units are supporting quarantine and disinfection nationwide. The Air Force transport aircraft flew continuously for 20 hours to bring 80,000 surgical gowns from Myanmar.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The spirit of the West Sea defense heroes dwells in the hearts of our soldiers. Seeing them practice the spirit of ‘Serving the Nation with Devotion as Soldiers of the People’s Army,’ I believe the heroes would be proud.

Citizens, when we fight, we must win, and if we can win without fighting, we must choose that path. The strongest security is peace, and peace is the way to repay the sacrifice of the heroes.

The government is creating strong security and peace based on a strong military and ironclad defense capabilities.

Over the past three years, the government has significantly increased the defense budget, opening the era of a 50 trillion won defense budget for the first time this year, and has risen to become the world’s sixth-largest military power.

In 2018, the ‘September 19 Military Agreement’ between North and South Korea halted hostile military actions in the West Sea.

There has been no armed conflict at the NLL, which the West Sea defense heroes protected, and at the Pyeongtaek 2nd Fleet Command where the ‘Cheonan Ship 46 Warriors Memorial’ stands, as well as at Yeonhwa-ri coast on Baengnyeong Island, our juniors firmly defend our territory and territorial waters.

Fishermen look toward the Yeonpyeong Island lighthouse, which was relit after 45 years in the peaceful fishing grounds protected by the heroes, nurturing dreams of a full catch.

The government will achieve lasting peace through strong security. We will remember the sacrifices of the heroes with firm readiness. Together with citizens who trust and support the military, we will open the path to peace and prosperity.

We will also do our best to honor those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves for the nation.

The ‘fallen soldiers’ of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong were once legally treated as deaths in the line of duty rather than as fallen soldiers. Although the administration at the time established regulations for honoring fallen soldiers, they were not applied retroactively.

In July 2018, the ‘Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on Compensation for Fallen Soldiers of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong’ was finally approved at the Cabinet meeting. After 16 years, the warriors of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong could be properly honored as ‘fallen soldiers’ and their honor elevated. This is truly a meaningful achievement.

Last December, the ‘Standards for Payment of Survivor’s Pension’ were improved, unifying the payment rate at 43% regardless of service period.

Additionally, a ‘Survivor’s Additional Benefit System’ was established to strengthen livelihood support for bereaved families.

Additional compensation measures are also being prepared for national veterans injured in combat. The ‘Combat Injury Allowance,’ which is about 16.3 billion won this year, will be increased fivefold to about 63.2 billion won next year, gradually raising it to about 50% of the ‘Veteran Honor Allowance.’

True veterans’ benefits are completed when national veterans and their families feel honor and pride, and the people take pride in that image.

The nation must take full responsibility for the loyalty and dedication of the military. Through true veterans’ benefits, the value of patriotism will firmly take root in the daily lives of the people

and will not be shaken by political winds.

Dear respected citizens, veterans, and bereaved families, patriotism is the strongest security. It is the foundation of a country that no one can shake.

As long as the patriotism of the West Sea defense heroes continues in the hearts of our soldiers and the history of patriotism lives on in the memory of the people, we can overcome any crisis.

Today, as we face ‘COVID-19,’ we confirm that our patriotism is being demonstrated through ‘solidarity and cooperation.’ Citizens are becoming strength to one another, and we see that expanding into greater patriotism through international cooperation.

A strong and large tree shelters all kinds of life. Our patriotism will make the Republic of Korea stronger and greater, and in cooperation with the international community, will record a new history of peace and prosperity.

On this ‘West Sea Defense Day,’ we remember the indomitable heroes and strengthen our resolve to overcome ‘COVID-19.’

The stories of the West Sea defense heroes will become a proud history of patriotism and be passed down forever to future generations.

Thank you.