Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Yoon gave a commemorative speech for the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day

He made it clear that there would be a stern response to North Korea’s provocations and threats

He emphasized that the Strategic Command is the core unit that protects the nation and its people

He urged the establishment of a strong defense posture based on a robust ROK-U.S. Alliance

and promised to expand defense R&D and improve service conditions

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun review the troops at the Armed Forces Day commemoration ceremony for the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, on October 1. The Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, a formidable weapon in the nation’s arsenal, is displayed prominently behind President Yoon.

On October 1, President Yoon Suk Yeol said, “Should North Korea make an attempt to use nuclear weapon, it will confront the overwhelming response of our military and the ROK-U.S. Alliance, marking the final day for the North Korean regime.” He emphasized that the military would respond sternly to any provocations and threats from the North.

In his commemoration speech at the Armed Forces Day ceremony held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, President Yoon strongly warned, “Our military will respond immediately to the North’s provocations with a robust combat capability and posture. The North must shake off the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect it. ”

Regarding the Strategic Command, to which he delivered the unit flag today, President Yoon said, “With the creation of the Strategic Command, our military capability will be substantially strengthened. By integrating our military’s advanced conventional capabilities and U.S. extended deterrence, the Strategic Command will be a core unit that protects the nation and people from North Korea’s nuclear and weapons of mass destruction.”

He also emphasized the importance of a robust ROK-U.S. Alliance. President Yoon said, “Based on the Washington Declaration last April, the ROK-U.S. Alliance has been upgraded to a nuclear-based alliance. We are building an integrated ROK-U.S. extended deterrence.”

He added, “A U.S. strategic submarine visited Korea for the first time in 40 years, and B-52 strategic bombers landed on the Korean Peninsula for the first time, demonstrating the U.S.’s strong commitment to extended deterrence with concrete action.”

After making a commemorative speech, President Yoon Suk Yeol returns the salute of the troops.

He continued, “The government will further strengthen trilateral security cooperation among Korea, the United States and Japan, based on the robust ROK-U.S. Alliance. We will bolster our security posture through close solidarity with the international community.”

President Yoon pledged to strengthen defense R&D, support defense industry exports, and improve service conditions for soldiers.

Lastly, President Yoon said, “Fake peace gestures based on the enemy’s goodwill are merely a mirage, and as history has proven, cultivating our own strength is the only way to protect peace.” He called for public support and encouragement of the military, emphasizing the importance of strong security and a robust military for the nation’s well-being.

The Armed Forces Day commemorative events were staged at Seoul Air Base, Sungnyemun Gate and Gwanghwamun with the theme “Strong Armed Forces, Together with People!” The ceremony included the bestowal of the unit flag to the Strategic Command, an inspection of troops, the presentation of decorations and medals, a resolution to preserve the nation, and a march in file.

Soldiers showed strong commitment to respond immediately, forcefully and decisively to enemy provocations. Notably, the Hyunmoo-5, a very formidable ballistic missile with an 8-ton warhead, was displayed for the first time. The participation of U.S. B-1B strategic bombers also sent a strong message to the North.

Street march held for two consecutive years…Hyunmoo-5 displayed for the first time.

A street parade followed in the afternoon. President Yoon encouraged the soldiers dedicated to protecting the nation and its people who were participating the Armed Forces Day street parade for the second consecutive year alongside the public.

The Armed Forces Day events are assessed to have inspired public security awareness and highlighted the importance of expanding the defense industry. They also boosted troop morale and showcased overwhelming capabilities and readiness to forcefully respond to enemy provocations.

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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