President Lee Jae Myung pledges
"Appropriate compensation for national sacrifice" at the 70th Memorial Day ceremony
President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a commemorative speech at the 70th Memorial Day ceremony held on the 6th at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 6th, President Lee Jae Myung stated, "We will raise the level of honor and provide even greater support so that national patriots and their bereaved families can feel pride, dignity, and an enhanced sense of respect."
At the 70th Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, President Lee delivered a commemorative address, declaring, "The Lee Jae Myung administration will fulfill its responsibilities and duties."
This year's Memorial Day ceremony, the first since the launch of the new administration, was attended by approximately 4,000 people, including national patriots, bereaved families, key government officials, representatives from various sectors, and citizens. Notably, the families of the late Navy Lieutenant Colonel Park Jinwoo, the late Major Lee Taehun, the late Master Sergeant Yoon Donggyu, and the late Master Sergeant Kang Shinwon?who perished in last month's naval maritime patrol aircraft crash?were invited to the ceremony. The family of the late Fire Captain Lim Seongcheol, who died in the Seogwipo tangerine warehouse fire in December 2023, was also present. President Lee expressed his condolences and sympathy to these families, stating, "I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences and comfort," and added, "Our people will clearly remember the dedication of the deceased."
President Lee pledged, "We will ensure that appropriate compensation is provided for sacrifices made for the nation," and continued, "We will address blind spots and strengthen support so that the surviving spouses of the honored attendees do not face difficulties in their lives." He also emphasized, "We will establish a seamless veterans' medical system so that honored attendees can conveniently receive timely medical benefits near their homes for a healthy life." Furthermore, he promised, "We will provide fair compensation for military service, ensuring that national patriots and veterans receive the respect they deserve for their dedication."
President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hye Kyung are paying their respects at the Memorial Tower during the 70th Memorial Day Ceremony held at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee went on to say, "We will not forget the efforts of those who are dedicating themselves to the nation and its people at this very moment," and pledged, "We will improve working conditions so that uniformed citizens can focus solely on protecting the nation and its people without any concerns."
He stated, "Honoring our patriots is the minimum level of respect for sacrifice and dedication, as well as a responsibility and duty the state must fulfill," and added, "Special rewards must be given for special sacrifices made for everyone." Referring to the saying, "If you participate in the independence movement, three generations will suffer, but if you collaborate with the Japanese, three generations will prosper," President Lee pointed out, "This kind of thinking must now disappear."
President Lee also emphasized, "The reason we commemorate Memorial Day every year is to remember, to record, and to fulfill our responsibilities." After mentioning independence activists and military personnel, he stated, "Thanks to their noble sacrifices, our country was able to overcome the scars of war and grow into one of the world's top ten economies," and added, "Such remarkable achievements could never have been realized without those who sacrificed for the nation and the community."
He concluded, "It is our collective duty, as those who enjoy the present, to ensure that the country protected by our patriotic forebears and fallen heroes shines even brighter," and said, "Building a peaceful nation free from the fear of war and a safe country where daily life is not disrupted is the most responsible response to their noble sacrifices and dedication."
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