74th Anniversary of the Korean War in Daegu
"If We Become Stronger, a Unified Korea Won't Be a Distant Future"
President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee are saluting the national flag at the '74th Anniversary of the Korean War' event held at Daegu EXCO on the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 25th, "Our military will maintain a firm readiness posture to ensure that North Korea never dares to threaten the Republic of Korea under any circumstances, and will respond overwhelmingly and resolutely to North Korea's provocations." He criticized the recent treaty signed between North Korea and Russia on a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' as "an anachronistic act that goes against the progress of history."
At the '74th Anniversary of the Korean War' event held at Daegu EXCO on the morning of the same day, President Yoon said, "Peace is not maintained by words but through strong power and an ironclad security posture, which is the true path to achieving peace," adding, "If we become stronger and unite as one, a unified Korea of freedom and prosperity will not be a distant future."
This year's event focused on battles in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, such as the pivotal battles of Dabudong, Yeongcheon, and Pohang during the Korean War, and was held in Daegu to express gratitude to veterans residing in the provinces. It was the first time the government’s Korean War event was held outside the capital, with Daegu having served as the temporary capital for 33 days during the early stages of the war.
In his commemorative speech, President Yoon emphasized, "After the war, all that remained was a land of despair, but our great people never gave up," and continued, "Inheriting the spirit of the patriotic martyrs who defended the free Republic of Korea with their blood, we have achieved a miraculous industrialization and are now advancing as a model liberal democracy and a global pivotal nation." He explained that the national income, which was only 67 dollars after the war, is now approaching the 40,000-dollar era, and that Korea surpassed Japan for the first time last year.
He went on to say, "While we have been advancing on the path of freedom and prosperity, North Korea has stubbornly chosen the path of regression, remaining the last frozen land on Earth," adding, "It has not hesitated to carry out vile and irrational provocations such as enhancing its nuclear and missile capabilities and releasing filthy balloons. Last week, it signed a treaty on a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' with Russia, which initiated the war in Ukraine, and even promised to strengthen military and economic cooperation in direct violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions."
In response, President Yoon pledged, "We will firmly protect the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea and the lives of our people against North Korea's provocations and threats," and promised, "On the occasion of the 70th anniversary, based on the stronger and more robust ROK-US alliance, we will unite with countries that share the values of freedom to further safeguard our freedom and peace." He also stated, "Such efforts are the way to repay the noble sacrifices and dedication of our heroes," and added, "The government will give the highest respect to Korean War veterans and do its utmost to further spread the culture of honoring veterans throughout our society."
About 1,300 people attended the event, including Korean War veterans, key government officials, senior military officers, diplomatic envoys from UN allied countries stationed in Korea, members of the National Assembly, and ordinary citizens.
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