Busan Breathing the Spirit of the UN, Commemorative Ceremony for the 79th UN Day Held

Memorial Ceremony at the World's Only UN Memorial Park at 11 AM on the 24th

Over 300 Participants Including Diplomatic Envoys from Participating Countries and Army, Navy, Air Force Personnel

Busan City will hold the ‘79th United Nations Day Commemoration Ceremony’ at 11 a.m. on the 24th at the world’s only UN Memorial Cemetery.

Every year on 'United Nations Day,' the city holds a commemorative ceremony at Busan’s unique UN Memorial Cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers who died in the Korean War and to pay tribute to the spirit of the United Nations.

This year’s ceremony is expected to be attended by about 300 people, including Mayor Park Hyung-jun, Superintendent of Education Ha Yun-su, Nam-gu District Mayor Oh Eun-taek, Director Seo Jeong-in of the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea, Kwak Young-hoon, President of the United Nations Association of Korea, diplomatic envoys from countries that participated in the Korean War, 11 veterans organizations from the city, army, navy, and air force personnel, and UN supporters.

The 11 veterans organizations include the Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea Special Mission Merit Association, Busan Branch of the Liberation Association, Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea Disabled Veterans Association, Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea War Veterans Association, Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea War Widows Association, Busan Branch of the April 19 Democratic Revolution Association, Busan Branch of the April 19 Revolution Victims’ Families Association, Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea Meritorious Service Association, Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea 6.25 War Veterans Association, Busan Branch of the Republic of Korea Vietnam War Veterans Association, and Busan Chapter of the Republic of Korea Veterans Association.

'United Nations Day' is a global commemorative day designated to celebrate the founding of the United Nations, which was organized on October 24, 1945, in San Francisco, USA, 79 years ago. Korea has commemorated 'United Nations Day' as a legal holiday since the 1950s, even before joining the UN as its 161st member in 1991. This reflects the significant meaning attributed to the support of UN forces during the Korean War, which helped preserve the existence of today’s Republic of Korea. Accordingly, the city expresses its condolences and gratitude.

The ‘United Nations (UN)’ is a name coined by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. The UN is an international organization established not only to oppose war and maintain peace but also to promote international cooperation in all fields including politics, economy, society, and culture.

The ceremony will proceed in the order of the entrance of flags from 11 member countries, national anthem, flower offering, gun salute and moment of silence, commemorative speeches, and memorial performances.

In particular, a memorial performance dedicated to the fallen UN soldiers will be prepared by the Busan City Children’s Choir, conveying the sincere gratitude and remembrance of Busan citizens to the diplomatic envoys attending the ceremony, passing on the spirit to future generations.

Afterwards, the city will hold a gratitude luncheon for the diplomatic envoys attending the ceremony to express the appreciation of Busan citizens, using this ‘United Nations Day’ as an opportunity to strengthen the city’s diplomatic network and conduct veterans diplomacy.

Sindiswa MQUQU, Ambassador-designate of South Africa, the chair country of the International Management Committee of the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea for 2024, emphasized, “Just as it was in South Africa in 1945, even after 79 years, we believe in the UN Charter, which is based on universal human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. This is rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am because you are.’”

She also stated, “The UN Memorial Cemetery is a special place symbolically showing what consequences conflicts can bring,” and raised her voice saying, “Let us remember that the UN Charter remains the core of multilateral cooperation even in turbulent times when unjust wars and conflicts occur.”

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol said, “Thanks to the sacrifices of more than 1.95 million UN veterans who fought with their lives, our country, which had a per capita income of only 67 dollars in 1953, has now become a leader in advanced technology industries and ranks ninth in the world in contributions to the regular UN budget,” adding, “This development of the Republic of Korea is strong evidence that the values pursued by the UN are achievable and that the UN and multilateralism are still valid.”

Mayor Park Hyung-jun said, “Busan, where the UN forces first encountered the Republic of Korea during the Korean War, has been able to transform into a global logistics and international exchange hub today thanks to the freedom and peace protected by the UN veterans. While many cities around the world commemorate ‘United Nations Day,’ Busan proudly stands as the city where the three core spirits of the UN?world peace, development, and human rights?are most vividly engraved,” and added, “With the sacrifices and dedication of the veterans, the Republic of Korea has achieved unprecedented rapid growth. Busan will actively strive to realize the ideals of the UN more widely across the globe. We ask for your interest and support so that Busan can be reborn as a ‘Global City of Peace.’”