Respected national veterans, bereaved families, and residents of the province,
We solemnly observe the sixty-ninth Memorial Day.
First, I bow my head in respect and gratitude to the patriotic martyrs and war heroes who devoted themselves to the country.
I extend my sincere condolences to the national veterans and their families.
Honoring the spirits of the unknown soldiers who sacrificed their lives without even a name,
I express my respect and gratitude.
Even amidst numerous national crises,
it is because of our ancestors who put the country and community first
that the Republic of Korea exists today.
It is our duty to honor and further the righteous sacrifices they made.
However, the Korean Peninsula of peace, built upon the noble sacrifices of our war heroes,
is once again on the verge of becoming a stage for confrontation.
The dream of democracy and peace that we have pursued for many years
is under threat.
Advancing the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea, achieved through the blood and sweat of our ancestors,
is truly the way to repay their dedication.
Today’s ‘patriotism’ is to break free from the painful history of extreme confrontation and conflict
and to build a community of peace and coexistence.
Gyeonggi Province will take the lead in creating a free and peaceful Republic of Korea,
which our ancestors dreamed of.
We will remember their dedication and nurture it into a greater tree of peace.
Respected national veterans, bereaved families, and residents of the province,
we must create a culture where those who sacrificed and devoted themselves to the country
are respected and properly treated.
Proper treatment and compensation for their dedication is the government’s duty.
In particular, protecting the safety of soldiers called by the country
is a fundamental responsibility of the state toward those who have protected the lives of the people.
Last year, a young marine tragically lost his life while deployed in flood recovery and missing person search operations.
Nothing is more precious than life under any circumstances.
As the largest border area and the local government with the most military personnel serving,
Gyeonggi Province will prioritize securing the safety of military personnel.
Gyeonggi Province was the first in the nation to enact the
‘Gyeonggi Province Disaster Recovery Support Military Personnel Safety and Support Ordinance,’
which has been in effect since May.
Gyeonggi Province supports safety education and injury insurance enrollment for military personnel deployed to disaster recovery sites.
Starting with civilian support and disaster recovery support this summer,
we will cooperate with the provincial council to prevent safety accidents among our soldiers.
The safety of soldiers called by the country
will be firmly rooted in our society as a belief that the country protects them,
and Gyeonggi Province will set a clear precedent.
Respected national veterans, bereaved families, and residents of the province,
we remember the righteous dedication of our ancestors who did not spare their lives for the country and democracy.
Independence patriots, war veterans, democracy movement activists, special mission veterans.
We will never forget your sacrifices, made for the country, democracy, and the future.
We will stand with the pain of the remaining bereaved families until the end.
We will do our utmost to provide all possible honors.
I would like to conclude this memorial address by introducing a proud family of veterans from Gyeonggi Province.
This is the family of Fire Lieutenant Gong Byeongsam of Bucheon Fire Station.
The family of Fire Lieutenant Gong Byeongsam has been a family of national veterans for three generations.
The great-grandfather, the late Gong Chilbo, a patriotic activist, was arrested by Japanese police while shouting for independence in 1919
and died in prison.
The grandfather was a Korean War veteran who lost his eyesight in battle,
and the father was a Vietnam War veteran who devoted himself to the Republic of Korea.
Following them, Fire Lieutenant Gong Byeongsam
is walking the path of a fire service officer protecting the lives and safety of our people.
We must remember that the freedom, democracy, and peace we enjoy today
were built upon the dedication and sacrifice of such people.
Gyeonggi Province will carry on their noble will.
We will not forget.
We will build a society where their honorable dedication shines even brighter.
To the patriotic martyrs and war heroes, national veterans, and bereaved families who have been the firm roots of independence, national defense, and democratization in the Republic of Korea,
on behalf of 14 million residents of Gyeonggi Province, I express my deep respect.
We pray for the eternal rest of the spirits. Thank you.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
