The State Honors National Meritorious Persons with 'Highest Respect' at the Blue House... President Moon Personally Awards Medals and Decorations

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 24th, President Moon Jae-in held a luncheon event at the Blue House State Guest House inviting national merit recipients and families of veterans, personally awarding medals and honors to four government awardees.

Park Kyung-mi, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a briefing that "this is the first time medals and honors have been personally awarded at a luncheon inviting national merit recipients held in commemoration of the Month of Patriots and Veterans."

This event was the first luncheon hosted by the Blue House since the spread of COVID-19, providing the highest level of protocol (including signal flag opening, escort by the Security Office and police) equivalent to that of state guests for national merit recipients and families of veterans.

The luncheon menu consisted of healthy nourishing dishes including whole grain abalone and scallop cold salad, healthy five-grain porridge, beef nutritious cheek meat stew, ginseng tempura, Joseon Hyangmi mixed grain rice, clam and malva miso soup, and sweet pumpkin Sikhye, all traditional Korean dishes. The tables were decorated with daisies symbolizing peace, carnations representing gratitude, and yellow roses conveying dedication and sacrifice.

The event was attended by President Moon and his wife, members of 16 veterans organizations including the Veterans Association, families of the Cheonan ship victims and other West Sea defense bereaved families, government award recipients for national merit, totaling 50 people along with government and Blue House officials.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Sang-woo, chairman of the Gyeongju branch of the Disabled Veterans Association and recipient of the Magnolia Medal in 2019, said, "Under the Moon administration, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs was elevated to ministerial level, and the policies for veterans have advanced by sincerely understanding and embracing each family member of veterans. National merit recipients and veterans organizations promise to be the light and salt, striving for national development and public unity."

Kim Gil-lae, secretary general of the Agent Orange Veterans Association and recipient of the Magnolia Medal in 2021, expressed, "I believe today's award signifies that our organization is truly respected and honored by the people, and as a patriotic organization, we will continue to do our best to contribute to the greater development of the Republic of Korea."