Yoon "Committed to Improving Welfare and Rights of Veterans Who Dedicated Their Youth"

'70th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korea Veterans Association'... Sitting President Attends for the First Time in 20 Years

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 70th anniversary ceremony of the Republic of Korea Veterans Association held on the morning of the 6th at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. /

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol met with discharged soldiers on the 6th and stated, "The government will actively strive to improve the welfare and rights of discharged soldiers who have dedicated their youthful prime at the forefront of national security."

On the same day, President Yoon attended the '70th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korea Veterans Association' held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, and said, "Instilling pride in military service supports strong defense capabilities and robust national security."

The Veterans Association was established in 1952 in Busan, the temporary capital during the Korean War. It is Korea's representative security organization composed of discharged soldiers. This is the first time in 20 years that a sitting president has attended a Veterans Association commemorative event since the 50th anniversary ceremony in 2002.

On this day, President Yoon evaluated, "Recently, North Korea's nuclear missile provocations and threats have increased, and freedom and human rights are being threatened worldwide due to countries pursuing unilateral changes by force. Amid this, marking the 70th anniversary by proclaiming the '2030 Four Major Visions' and redefining the identity of the Veterans Association through change and innovation to prepare for the future is a very meaningful endeavor."

He continued, "Instilling pride in military service supports strong defense capabilities and robust national security," and promised, "The government will actively work to improve the welfare and rights of discharged soldiers who have dedicated their youthful prime at the forefront of national security."

Meanwhile, President Yoon awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Magnolia Medal, to Ko Jong-hoon, Chairman of the Chungbuk Provincial Association, and presented government awards to five exemplary members and one exemplary organization. The event was attended by about 600 people, including Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop, Director of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik, heads of veterans' friendship organizations, and defense attach?s stationed in Korea.