Incheon City Proposes Designation of '9·15 Incheon Landing Operation' as National Memorial Day... Plans International Event Next Year

Incheon City has decided to propose to the government the designation of the Incheon Landing Operation Day (September 15), a major turning point in the Korean War, as a national memorial day.

On the 20th, at a briefing on the promotion of the 74th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation held at City Hall, the Citizens' Promotion Council for the Commemorative Event delivered the "Proposal for Designating Incheon Landing Operation Day as a National Memorial Day" to Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, the joint representative of the council. The city plans to submit this proposal to the relevant government departments.

The proposal states, "The Incheon Landing Operation was a dramatic turning point in defending the absolute values of human freedom and peace, and it was the first step toward recording the Korean War as a righteous victory for humanity." It also notes, "If Incheon Landing Operation Day is designated as a national memorial day, it can be commemorated as a day of defending freedom and peace shared by the world, as the operation involved both the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and allied forces."

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is giving a greeting at the '74th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation Commemoration Event Progress Report Meeting' held on the 20th in the city hall's main conference room.
[Photo by Incheon City]

Conducted on September 15, 1950, under the codename "Operation Chromite," the Incheon Landing Operation involved 261 vessels from eight countries including South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom, making it the largest amphibious operation since World War II. The allied forces attacked the flanks of the North Korean army, recapturing Seoul within 90 days and dramatically reversing the tide of the Korean War.

Incheon City has designated September 6?12 this year as Incheon Landing Operation Commemoration Week and plans to hold various events including a commemorative ceremony, city parade, peace and security forum, a peace camp with international students from 22 UN allied countries, a youth dialogue on reunification, and peace-themed drawing activities.

Especially this year, the city will expand citizen participation programs and hold the commemorative ceremony on land to improve accessibility for citizens. A memorial service honoring the sacrifices of the indigenous people of Wolmido will also be held.

Mayor Yoo said, "The Incheon Landing Operation commemorative event will again be held as a large-scale week-long event this year, and next year, the 75th anniversary, it will be reborn as an international event." He added, "I ask for the interest and support of the members of the Citizens' Promotion Council to ensure the successful hosting of the event."

Meanwhile, the Citizens' Promotion Council for the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative event is co-chaired by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Hwang Woo-yeo, and former Marine Corps Commander and Dankook University Distinguished Professor Kim In-sik. The council consists of over 80 members including elders from various sectors in Incheon, representatives of related organizations and groups, and leaders from religious, academic, and media circles.

The Marado ship is conducting a naval review at sea near Palmido during the '73rd Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation Victory Commemoration Ceremony.' September 15, 2023.
[Photo by Incheon City]