Minister Kwon Delivers President Lee's Commemorative Address
at the Korean War Armistice Agreement Ceremony
The Ministers of Veterans Affairs from South Korea and the United States met at the Korean War Armistice Agreement Commemoration Ceremony, reaffirming the strength of the South Korea-US alliance.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 28th that Minister Kwon Oeul attended the Korean War Armistice Agreement Commemoration Ceremony held in Washington, D.C., United States, on the morning of the 27th (local time), where he delivered President Lee Jaemyung's commemorative address on his behalf.
Prior to the ceremony, Minister Kwon met with Douglas Collins, the US Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Minister Kwon expressed, "I deeply thank the United States, which was the first to deploy the largest number of troops during the Korean War, and the American veterans who demonstrated heroic sacrifice and dedication to defend the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea on the battlefield." He added, "Based on the solid South Korea-US alliance, I hope that cooperation in all fields, including the economy and industry, between our two countries will become even closer and stronger."
Minister Kwon also expressed his gratitude for attending the armistice ceremony and extended an invitation to Secretary Collins to visit South Korea this fall. In response, Secretary Collins said, "I understand how important it is to honor the sacrifice and dedication of the Korean War veterans. Thank you for inviting me to Korea."
Secretary Collins also stated in his commemorative address at the ceremony, "I appreciate President Lee's message and Minister Kwon's attendance at the ceremony," and emphasized, "This site (the Korean War Veterans Memorial) is not just a park but a space of national remembrance, and the strong bond between South Korea and the United States will endure across generations."
He continued, "We will never forget the time we fought together in the bitter cold of Korea. We will remember the freedom, patriotism, and courage of the veterans, and that spirit will never fade." He further stressed, "To those who do not understand the values of freedom and prosperity, I want to say this: The South Korea-US alliance remains strong. Never put it to the test."
Meanwhile, after the ceremony, Minister Kwon presented Secretary Collins with a lacquered flag case containing both the Taegeukgi and the Stars and Stripes, conveying the South Korean government's commitment to the alliance. He also gave special gifts, including an eco-bag inscribed in Korean with the words of the late Colonel William Weber, "A soldier's pride lies not in winning, but in defending," and a book featuring photographs of United Nations veterans taken by artist Rami Hyun.
Minister Kwon stated, "Through President Lee's commemorative address at the local 7·27 ceremony in the United States, he reaffirmed the strength of the South Korea-US alliance, describing the United States as a blood ally and the strongest partner for its contribution to defending the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War." He added, "The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will make every effort to ensure that veterans affairs further solidify the South Korea-US alliance through a variety of international veterans projects, including re-invitation events and exchange camps for descendants."
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