Yoon Attends Armed Forces Day Ceremony, Celebration, and Parade
Hyunmoo-5, US Strategic Bombers and Other Key Weapons Deployed
"Gratitude for Patriotic Spirit of National Defense Heroes and Armed Forces Dedication"
On the 1st, during the 76th Armed Forces Day military parade, K2 tanks marched toward Gwanghwamun in front of Sungnyemun on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The Presidential Office on the 1st gave significance to the Armed Forces Day event marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces, hosted by President Yoon Suk-yeol, stating that it "demonstrated the strong might of our military, which will not tolerate any provocations from North Korea, and the solid ROK-U.S. alliance."
Presidential spokesperson Jung Hye-jun conveyed this in a written briefing that afternoon. Earlier, President Yoon presided over the Armed Forces Day ceremony and celebration banquet at Seoul Airport in Seongnam City in the morning, and in the afternoon, he led a parade with the citizens in Gwanghwamun.
On this day, the military publicly unveiled the Hyunmoo-5, a super high-power ballistic missile and a core weapon of the Korean-style "Kill Chain" system designed to neutralize North Korea's nuclear provocations, for the first time. Additionally, multi-legged walking robots, laser anti-aircraft weapons, unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, unmanned reconnaissance drones, and unmanned submarines were deployed for the first time at the Armed Forces Day ceremony. Notably, the U.S. Air Force strategic bomber B-1B Lancer made its debut sortie at the Armed Forces Day event.
The ceremony featured over 5,300 troops and approximately 340 pieces of equipment, while the parade included about 3,000 troops and 80 pieces of equipment, showcasing the formidable combat power of our military.
On the 1st, the 3-axis system marched toward Gwanghwamun on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, during the 76th Armed Forces Day military parade. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The Presidential Office explained that the Armed Forces Day event also served to express gratitude for the dedication and patriotism of the national defense heroes and the armed forces. Following the ceremony, President Yoon invited and honored individuals such as retired Sergeant Ha Jae-heon, who lost both legs due to North Korea's landmine provocation, and Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Lee Hee-wan, who lost one leg but fought to the end and led victory in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, calling them by name and showing respect.
Furthermore, the Presidential Office stated, "The status of 'K-Defense Industry,' which has developed world-class weapons and grown into a national strategic industry responsible not only for South Korea's security but also its economy, was elevated." Earlier, President Yoon also said in his morning commemorative speech, "The tanks, self-propelled artillery, and air defense weapons we have produced are demonstrating the true value of K-Defense by operating not only across Asia but also in Europe and the Middle East."
The Presidential Office added, "For the first time among all presidents, the president participated in the parade for two consecutive years alongside ordinary citizens, armed forces personnel, and invited guests, creating an Armed Forces Day that involves the people." They explained, "By making Armed Forces Day a platform for communication where the people, the owners of national defense, participate together, it reflects the determination to build a 'trusted military.'"
On the 1st, during the 76th Armed Forces Day military parade, Special Forces soldiers marched toward Gwanghwamun on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Following the morning Armed Forces Day ceremony, a celebration banquet was held to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces. About 400 people attended, including key military figures, military veterans, national defense heroes, and exemplary soldiers.
In his congratulatory speech, President Yoon said, "Seeing the dignified appearance of our troops and our military's might armed with advanced weapons that will lead the battlefield made me truly proud and reassured," adding, "I extend my thanks and encouragement to our armed forces personnel who are fulfilling their duties to defend the homeland even at this very moment."
He continued, "Peace is not maintained by words but by strength," emphasizing, "The power that protects our safety and peace comes from the strong military that you all witnessed today."
General Paul LaCamera, who serves as the Commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea, stated, "The three commands demonstrate the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea," adding, "Defending South Korea is our mission and duty."
Following this, President Yoon took the stage with Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, General Paul LaCamera, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young, Defense Committee Chairman Sung Il-jong, and Vice Chairman of the Defense Innovation Committee Kim Kwan-jin to cut a celebratory rice cake.
The celebration banquet was also attended by Minister of Unification Kim Young-ho, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jung-ae, National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Tae-hyo, and Second Deputy Director In Sung-hwan.
On the 1st, during the 76th Armed Forces Day military parade, the US Forces Korea marched toward Gwanghwamun in front of Sungnyemun on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
