[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 24th, a day before the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War, President Yoon Suk-yeol met with veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and United Nations forces, expressing gratitude by saying, "Veterans, last Tuesday, the Republic of Korea successfully launched the 'Nuriho' using our own technology, opening the path to space," and "Without you, this honor would not have been possible."
President Yoon made these remarks during a luncheon held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, attended by about 200 veterans and their descendants, diplomatic envoys from UN member countries, and key commanders of the ROK-US military alliance, then bowed his head, saying, "You are the heroes who made today's Republic of Korea possible."
In his greeting, President Yoon said, "You devoted the brightest years of your lives to protecting the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea from the communist forces' invasion. With only a burning sense of duty, you responded to the call to protect citizens you had never met, making noble sacrifices and dedication. The Republic of Korea will forever remember those who fought together for freedom."
He added, "The freedom, peace, and prosperity we enjoy today in the Republic of Korea were built upon the blood, sweat, sacrifice, and dedication of the ROK Armed Forces and UN veterans," and "In the dire crisis of invasion by communist forces, our people united with the determination to save the country. Together with young people around the world who believe in the value of freedom, we defended freedom."
He also promised to thoroughly honor veterans, including the excavation of the remains of fallen soldiers. President Yoon said, "There are still veterans who died on the battlefield resting in unknown mountains without being reunited with their families," and pledged, "We will do our best until the day the last one is returned to their family, including continuing the excavation of the remains of those who died in the Korean War."
He mentioned the names of UN veterans and expressed heartfelt gratitude to their descendants and USFK soldiers, saying, "I extend my warmest thanks to the UN veterans who shed blood together and braved the front lines," and "I hope the friendship between the Republic of Korea and you will continue and remain eternal."
After concluding his greeting, President Yoon bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle to the veterans. He personally awarded the 'Apostle of Peace' medal to five UN veterans, including two Filipino veterans, and veterans from the United States, Canada, and Ethiopia, greeting them in English with "Thank you. We will not forget."
Kim Hong-su, head of the Gyeonggi Province branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, who attended the luncheon, responded, "President Yoon has a firm philosophy that sufficient veterans' policies are the cornerstone of national security and promised to create a society where uniformed heroes are respected, greatly enhancing our honor and pride," and added, "On behalf of the Korean War veterans, I express my deep gratitude."
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