The Busan Regional Veterans Office of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Director Namil Lee) held the "Memorial Ceremony for the 7th Student Soldier's Participation in the Korean War and Fallen Heroes" on June 20 in front of the 7th Student Soldier Korean War Participation Memorial in Busan.
This event was organized to honor the sacrifice and contributions of 1,661 student soldiers who participated as the 7th class of the Army Military Police School during the Korean War. Attendees included Namil Lee, Director of the Busan Regional Veterans Office, the President of the Korea Military Police Veterans Association, the President of the 7th Student Soldier Comrades Association, the Commander of the 53rd Infantry Division of the Army, the Director of the Ministry of National Defense Investigation Headquarters, the Head of the General Affairs Division of Busan City, heads of veterans' organizations, bereaved families, and citizens.
The ceremony proceeded solemnly in the following order: the national pledge, presentation of commendations, memorial address, floral tribute and incense offering, singing of the Military Police Song, and three cheers for the nation, commemorating the spirits of the fallen student soldiers.
The 7th class of the Army Military Police School was composed of 1,661 volunteer student soldiers from 14 high schools and several universities in the Busan area who enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War. They participated in major operations such as the Hungnam Evacuation, management of prisoners of war, and the release of anti-communist prisoners, carrying out missions in fierce battlefields across the country. Over 200 of them were killed or went missing in action.
In his memorial address, Namil Lee, Director of the Busan Regional Veterans Office, stated, "The 7th Student Soldiers were young men in the prime of their youth, around the age of twenty. Because of their noble sacrifice?choosing to take up arms instead of pens to defend freedom and peace?today's Republic of Korea is possible."
The Busan Regional Veterans Office announced that it will continue to honor Korean War veterans and promote a culture of remembrance in the future.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
