The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Busan Regional Office (Director Namil Lee) held the 10th West Sea Defense Day commemoration ceremony on the 28th at the main auditorium of Busan City Hall.
This event was co-hosted by the Busan Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Busan Metropolitan City, and organized by the Busan branch of the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization. About 700 people, including Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel, veterans' and civic group representatives, attended. The ceremony included a roll call video of the 55 West Sea defenders, commemorative speeches, recitation of a tribute poem, and a commemorative performance. The ceremony was broadcast live on YouTube.
Soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force reciting a poem. Provided by the Busan Regional Office of Veterans Affairs, Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
‘West Sea Defense Day’ was designated as a government memorial day on the fourth Friday of every March, based on the date of the Cheonan sinking (March 26, 2010), which saw the highest number of casualties. The day commemorates the 55 West Sea defenders who sacrificed their lives in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong (June 29, 2002), the Cheonan sinking (March 26, 2010), and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling (November 23, 2010), aiming to honor their memory, raise nationwide security awareness, and strengthen the commitment to national defense.
Namil Lee, Director of the Busan Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, who attended the event, said, “Just like this year’s official slogan, ‘Heroes Who Defended the West Sea, Names to Be Remembered Forever,’ we must ensure that all citizens work to forever protect the peaceful daily lives made possible by the sacrifice of the 55 West Sea defenders.”
Lee Namil, Director of Busan Regional Veterans Affairs Office, delivering a commemorative speech. Provided by Busan Regional Veterans Affairs Office
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