Children of Fallen Heroes from the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong and Cheonan Incident to Take Part in Professional Baseball First Pitch and First Batter Events

Second Lieutenants Kim Haena and Cho Sieun, Children of the Fallen,
to Serve as Ceremonial First Pitcher and Batter

In commemoration of Patriots and Veterans Month in June, the children of the 55 West Sea Defense Warriors will participate in the ceremonial first pitch and first batter events at a professional baseball game.

The Navy announced that, in collaboration with Shinhan Bank, a sponsor of the Korea Professional Baseball League, it will hold the "55 West Sea Defense Warriors' Children Professional Baseball First Pitch and First Batter Event" before the LG Twins vs. SSG Landers game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the afternoon of June 10.

Second Lieutenant Joshin Seo (left) and Second Lieutenant Haena Kim (right), children of the 55 West Sea Defense Warriors, participating in the ceremonial first pitch and first batter in professional baseball. Photo by Navy

The 55 West Sea Defense Warriors refers to the 55 Navy and Marine Corps warriors who lost their lives in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong in 2002, the sinking of the Cheonan, and the bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island in 2010.

Second Lieutenant Haena Kim (ROTC Class 138), daughter of the late Master Chief Petty Officer Taeseok Kim, who died in the sinking of the Cheonan on March 26, 2010, will serve as the ceremonial first pitcher. Second Lieutenant Joshin Seo (ROTC Class 70), daughter of the late Senior Chief Petty Officer Chunhyeong Cho, who died fighting as a 20mm gunner aboard Patrol Boat 357 during the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong on June 29, 2002, will serve as the ceremonial first batter. Both will wear uniforms with the number 55, symbolizing the 55 West Sea Defense Warriors, during the ceremony.

Second Lieutenant Kim, who was commissioned on June 1, is scheduled to undergo basic training for new officers on warships until September and will be assigned to a vessel upon completion. Second Lieutenant Seo, who was commissioned in March this year, is currently receiving training in the Aegis destroyer combat systems course at the Naval Education and Training Command, and upon completion of her training this month, she will be assigned as the operations officer on the Seoae Ryu Seongryong (DDG, 7,600-ton class).

Second Lieutenant Kim stated, "As an officer of the Republic of Korea Navy, I will continue to hone my skills and do my utmost to protect the lives of our people and our seas." Second Lieutenant Seo also said, "I will always remember the noble spirit of sacrifice of the 55 West Sea Defense Warriors, who gave their lives to defend the seas of the Republic of Korea, and I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me by the people to protect our maritime sovereignty." She added, "I hope this occasion will serve as a reminder for everyone to remember the 55 West Sea Defense Warriors and reflect on the meaning of national defense and honoring our veterans."