President Moon: "Heroes of the West Sea Defense, Symbols of Patriotism"... Attends First Commemoration Ceremony Since Inauguration (Comprehensive)

President Moon Jae-in is delivering a commemorative speech for the West Sea Defense Day at the National Daejeon National Cemetery on the 27th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in attended the 'West Sea Defense Day' commemorative ceremony on the 27th and said, "The sacrifice and dedication of the West Sea defense heroes are a symbol of patriotism," adding, "The nation must take full responsibility for the loyalty and dedication of the military." This was his first attendance at a commemorative ceremony since taking office.

At 10 a.m. that day, at the National Daejeon National Cemetery, during the ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, President Moon stated, "Through genuine veterans' affairs, we will firmly root the value of patriotism in the daily lives of the people so that it is not shaken by political winds." This was a pledge to do his best in honoring those who sacrificed for the nation.

West Sea Defense Day honors the 55 warriors who sacrificed their lives in armed conflicts between the South and North that occurred in the West Sea, including the 'Second Battle of Yeonpyeong,' the 'Sinking of the Cheonan,' and the 'Yeonpyeong Island shelling provocation.' It was designated as a government commemorative day in 2016. President Moon personally mentioned the names of the late Lieutenant Han Junho, who died while rescuing missing soldiers from the Cheonan, Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo, who died in the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, and Private Moon Gwang-wook, expressing, "I pay tribute to the West Sea defense heroes who have become a source of pride and dignity for the people, and I extend my deepest condolences to their bereaved families."

President Moon said, "Strong security is peace, and peace is the way to repay the sacrifices of the heroes," adding, "Since the 'September 19 Military Agreement' between the South and North in 2018, hostile military actions have ceased in the West Sea, and there have been no armed clashes at the Northern Limit Line (NLL) that the West Sea defense heroes protected." He continued, "The government will achieve lasting peace through strong security," emphasizing, "We will remember the sacrifices of the heroes with a firm state of readiness."

Under the 'Special Act on Compensation for the Fallen Soldiers of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong,' approved at the Cabinet meeting in July 2018, the warriors of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong were recognized as 'fallen soldiers' rather than 'line-of-duty deaths' after 16 years. Additionally, in December last year, the 'Line-of-Duty Survivor Pension Payment Standards' were improved, raising the payment rate to 43% regardless of the length of service.

President Moon stated, "We are also preparing additional compensation measures for national veterans injured in battle," adding, "The 'Battle Injury Allowance,' which is about 16.3 billion won this year, will be increased fivefold to about 63.2 billion won next year, and we will gradually raise it to about 50% of the 'Combat Honor Allowance'." He emphasized again the importance of honoring the sacrifices, saying, "True veterans' affairs are completed when national veterans and their families feel honor and pride, and the people take pride in that image."

President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook are paying their respects and observing a moment of silence after offering incense at the West Sea Defense Day ceremony held at the National Daejeon National Cemetery on the 27th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also expressed gratitude by mentioning newly appointed nursing officers and military doctors who have played a significant role in the recent fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), saying, "In the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, our military and families are leading the way in practicing patriotism," and "The heroes would be proud." He added, "On this 'West Sea Defense Day,' we remember the indomitable heroes and strengthen our resolve to overcome COVID-19."

This year's commemorative ceremony, held under the theme "Like That Day, We Will Protect the Republic of Korea," was conducted with the invitation of the bereaved families of the 55 West Sea defense warriors and participating soldiers. However, it was scaled down compared to previous years due to the impact of COVID-19. After the main event, President Moon and his wife Kim Jung-sook paid individual respects and laid flower wreaths while touring the 'West Sea Defense Special Cemetery,' where the fallen soldiers of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Yeonpyeong Island shelling provocation, and the Cheonan sinking are all interred, showing the highest honor to the 55 West Sea defense warriors.