[Opinion] A Society That Remembers Heroes in Uniform

Recently, I saw an article about two firefighters who suffered burns while extinguishing a fire at a printing factory in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. On January 31 of this year, there was also an incident where two firefighters lost their lives while searching for victims during a fire at a meat processing factory in the Singi Industrial Complex in Mungyeong, unable to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Gyeongnam Dongbu Veterans Affairs Office Choi Hwansuk.

We often hear the sad news of firefighters who tragically lose their lives at fire scenes. Firefighters who selflessly rush into countless fire and disaster sites, numerous military personnel dedicated to defending the nation, and police officers who work day and night at traffic accident scenes and for public safety?all these uniformed heroes work to protect the lives and property of the people of our country.

It is because of their dedication that our country continues to enjoy a safe and peaceful daily life today. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is striving to foster a culture of respect for uniformed personnel. When this gratitude and respect permeate throughout society, our country can truly be said to have joined the ranks of advanced nations.

October 21 is Police Day. If you see police officers around you while passing through the streets today, why not approach them and express a word of thanks for their hard work?

Among uniformed personnel are veterans who have completed mid- to long-term military service and have been discharged. Most of these veterans are discharged due to mandatory retirement age regardless of their personal wishes, which often leads to leaving the military at a relatively young age and inevitably facing difficulties in making a living. To help these veterans smoothly find employment or start businesses, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has established 10 Veterans Support Centers nationwide and provides various support for their social settlement. By registering with a Veterans Support Center, veterans receive in-depth one-on-one counseling, career selection guidance, resume writing tips, interview skills training, and more. They also receive job transition allowances and support for vocational training expenses to aid in self-development.

Additionally, the centers actively participate in job fairs organized by local governments, assisting veterans with interviews and promoting the centers to participating companies to help with employment. This year, they participated in the Sacheon City Aerospace Specialized Job Fair held in Sacheon, helping many veterans find jobs. Furthermore, they plan to participate in the joint job fair of affiliated organizations in Changwon City, to be held at the Changwon Convention Center on November 6.

The weather is now fully autumnal. October is a month filled with various festivals. I hope you take a fall outing with your family to a nearby place, and I express my gratitude to all the uniformed heroes of this country.

Choi Hwan-seok, Gyeongnam Eastern Veterans Office