[Full Text] President Moon's Commemorative Speech on the 6th West Sea Defense Day

Dear fellow citizens,

To the bereaved families and veterans,

Today,

we have gathered at the Naval Fleet 2 Headquarters

to commemorate the heroes who defended the West Sea,

and to reflect on their noble patriotism.

The Naval Fleet 2 Headquarters

vigilantly defends the vast maritime area from the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea to the border of Jeollabuk-do Province.

It is also home to the Memorial for the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Chamsuri-class Patrol Boat No. 357,

the memorial for the 46 fallen soldiers of the Cheonan, and the Cheonan shipwreck,

as well as the West Sea Defense Hall,

all places imbued with the will of the West Sea heroes to protect the homeland.

Today, the Navy’s main landing ships, Cheonjabong and Nojeokbong,

have momentarily paused their brave voyages,

to honor the spirits and minds of the heroes together with the people.

Even when dark clouds gathered across the horizon,

the heroes went out to sea to protect the country,

heading into battlefields where shells were falling.

With indomitable fighting spirit, dedicating their bodies and minds,

they became the undying stars of national defense on the sea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

We have never forgotten these heroes.

Remembering their sacrifice and dedication, we have strengthened our resolve to defend our land.

Yoon Young-ha, Han Sang-guk, Jo Cheon-hyeong, Hwang Do-hyun, Seo Hu-won, Park Dong-hyuk,

the heroes of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong have been reborn as missile fast attack crafts bearing their names,

and continue to carry out the mission of defending the homeland alongside their comrades.

The ‘Cheonan’ will also be gloriously revived, embodying the fighting spirit of the heroes and surviving soldiers.

Yesterday, the Navy decided to name the new class of frigates that will patrol the West Sea from 2023 onward ‘Cheonan’.

Equipped with powerful domestic weapons such as Haegung, Hong-sang-eo, Haeryong, and Cheongsang-eo,

it will become the Navy’s main frigate.

We extend our condolences and gratitude to the bereaved families who have earnestly wished and supported the revival of ‘Cheonan’ more than anyone else,

and to the surviving Cheonan soldiers, including former Captain Choi Won-il.

We also deeply thank the heroes of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling battle who bravely overcame the unexpected attack.

We pay deep respect to the West Sea defense heroes who have inscribed a solemn history of patriotism,

and pray for their eternal rest together with the people.

Dear citizens,

The freedom and peace we enjoy today

are steeped in the blood and sweat of heroes.

The patriotism shown by the heroes

is a legacy left to all of us.

The history of defending the West Sea

is our pride and honor, and

we must unite in the spirit of West Sea defense.

The power of national unity

is the strongest defense and security.

Only by protecting the country and the people’s peace with strong defense and security

can we truly repay the sacrifice of the West Sea heroes.

The government has never forgotten this obvious fact even for a moment,

and has continuously strived to build overwhelming power

to maintain and create peace.

By recording the highest-ever increase rate in defense budget,

we have built strong defense capabilities that will never again sacrifice our soldiers.

In the past four years, no soldiers have been injured or lost their lives due to military clashes or provocations in the West Sea.

Our military has maintained a flawless military readiness posture

from Baengnyeong Island at the northernmost point to Yeonpyeong Island, guarding the Northern Limit Line,

proving that strong power creates peace.

Even at this moment,

we commend and encourage the soldiers of Naval Fleet 2, descendants of the West Sea heroes, who are guarding our seas without gaps.

The military’s pride is not only in winning.

In the West Sea, which has changed from a sea of confrontation to a sea of peace, our fishermen

continue their livelihoods with expanded fishing grounds, longer fishing hours, and guaranteed safety.

The government will

protect and build a peaceful Korean Peninsula

with a Navy that always wins when fighting, and wins without fighting.

The 30,000-ton light aircraft carrier, expected to be unveiled around 2033,

will be built with world-class Korean shipbuilding technology.

It will effectively respond to all-around threats to South Korea’s security,

and become a powerful core naval force as the pinnacle of joint operations encompassing the Korean next-generation destroyers, frigates, and submarines.

The 3,000-ton submarine project, which has been underway since 2018,

will be completed in 2024,

and with further developed submarine projects,

we will secure powerful underwater combat capabilities that rival any other.

The Marine Corps, equipped with powerful landing capabilities through amphibious assault helicopters,

will also be equipped with landing attack helicopters,

becoming an undisputed strongest landing force.

Beyond traditional military threats,

we will respond comprehensively to all-encompassing and potential security threats,

protect the maritime routes vital to our economy,

and strengthen international maritime security cooperation.

The sea is the future of the Republic of Korea.

An ‘advanced ocean navy’

is the solid foundation of the maritime power that Korea must become.

A vast ocean lies before us.

The government will

protect our seas,

safeguard the safety of our people and vessels on the ocean,

and open a future of peace and prosperity.

What we must protect is not only the sea.

Our land and sky must not be infringed upon by anyone.

We understand the great concern of the people regarding North Korea’s missile test launch yesterday.

Now is the time for South Korea, North Korea, and the United States

to all strive to continue dialogue.

Anything that hinders the atmosphere of dialogue

is never desirable.

While adhering to the principle of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,

we possess world-class missile capabilities sufficient to defend ourselves.

The first next-generation latest domestic fighter jet KF-X, developed with our own technology,

will soon be presented to the public.

With stronger defense capabilities than ever and a solid ROK-US alliance,

we confidently assure the people

that we have a firm security posture capable of repelling any provocation.

Dear citizens,

bereaved families and veterans,

The patriotic history achieved by the West Sea heroes

must become a legacy of unity for all.

The spirit of respecting and honoring patriotic sacrifice

is the power that unites the people and the foundation of a strong nation.

The government has never forgotten to repay those who have dedicated themselves to the country, including the West Sea heroes.

We pride ourselves on being the government that has made the greatest efforts for veterans.

Since the government’s inauguration,

the honorarium for veterans, which was 220,000 won, has been increased by 55% to 340,000 won,

and the budget for the war injury allowance, promised on West Sea Defense Day last year,

has been expanded fourfold.

By February this year, twelve surviving Cheonan soldiers have been recognized as national merit recipients,

including nine soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The government will strengthen the national certification responsibility

for sacrifices such as injuries for the country,

and through prompt review,

ensure that veterans receive benefits in a timely manner.

We will actively find those who qualify as national merit recipients but have not registered or were omitted,

and provide appropriate honor and support for their sacrifice and dedication.

The state responsibility for medical care for veterans has also been greatly expanded.

We have expanded the reduction of medical expenses for veterans up to 90%,

and will seek ways to extend the current drug cost reductions, which are only available at veterans hospitals, to entrusted hospitals as well.

We will also establish the foundation for customized veterans medical care.

For those who find it difficult to visit veterans hospitals,

we have additionally designated about 100 entrusted hospitals.

By 2022, we will expand this to over 220 locations,

allowing convenient access nearby.

Following the opening of Wonju Veterans Nursing Hospital last December,

the Veterans Nursing Hospital in the Jeonbuk region is scheduled to open this December.

Starting with rehabilitation centers at Gwangju and Busan Veterans Hospitals in June this year,

we will complete rehabilitation centers in Daejeon and Daegu by next year,

enabling veterans to receive integrated medical, nursing, and rehabilitation services anywhere in the country.

When veterans pass away,

the surviving spouse’s livelihood becomes more difficult.

We will also strive to support spouses left alone.

The government will do its utmost

to make ‘warm veterans care’ and ‘reliable veterans care’

a proud culture of Korea, where patriotism is remembered, honored, and supported in daily life.

Dear fellow citizens,

bereaved families and veterans,

Now, Cheonjabong and Nojeokbong will once again

carry the fighting spirit and pride of the West Sea defense heroes,

and brave the waves to protect the sea of peace.

Today, as we honor the West Sea defense heroes,

we have come to love our country and homeland even more.

We will forever remember the lives and deaths of the heroes,

and the stories of ordinary people who gave everything for the country and its people.

Thank you.

March 26, 2021

Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea