Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Lee Jae-myung delivered a commemorative remark for the 70th Memorial Day.

He expressed deep condolences for the fallen soldiers in the Navy patrol plane crash and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of veterans and uniformed personnel.

President Lee Jae-myung joined participants in saluting the national flag during the 70th Memorial Day ceremony, held at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on June 6. President Lee emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and patriots. He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening support and treatment for those who have devoted themselves to the nation.

In his commemorative address for the 70th Memorial Day ceremony on June 6, President Lee Jae-myung stated, “Special sacrifices made for the benefit of all deserve special compensation.”

President Lee paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Colonel Park Jin-woo, the late Major Lee Tae-hun, the late Master Sergeant Yoon Dong-gyu, and the late Master Sergeant Kang Sin-won, who lost their lives in the Navy patrol plane incident, as well as the late Fire Station Chief Lim Seong-cheol, who died at the citrus warehouse fire site in Seogwipo, Jeju. He expressed, “I extend my deepest condolences to them and their families. People will clearly remember the dedication of these deceased persons.”

President Lee said, “I pray for the repose of veterans and patriots who made noble sacrifices for the Republic of Korea. We observe Memorial Day each year to remember, honor, and take responsibility for their devotion.”

President Lee continued, “There were independence movement activists who sacrificed their lives to reclaim lost national sovereignty, as well as soldiers and youths who went to battlefields to defend the fatherland. We also remember the countless individuals who fought for democracy by resisting the oppression of dictatorship.” He stressed, “Thanks to the noble devotion and sacrifices of our veterans and patriots, we were able to recover our light, overcome the scars of war, and rise to become one of the world’s ten leading economic powers. It is their courage that has enabled Korea to emerge as an exemplary democratic state, envied and admired by the world.”

President Lee underscored the importance of honoring veterans and patriots and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening support and treatment for those who have devoted themselves to the nation. President Lee said, “The saying that joining the independence movement leads to the downfall of three generations while pro-Japanese collaborators prosper for three generations must now disappear from our society. Sacrifices made for the nation and the community must be duly compensated by the nation, and such selfless dedication brings greater honor than anything else. The new government will fulfill its responsibility and accountability to ensure this.”

President Lee stated, “Treatment will be enhanced and support will be expanded. We will eliminate any blind spots in assistance and strengthen support systems to ensure that the surviving spouses of veterans do not face challenges in their livelihoods.” He also stated, “We will establish a comprehensive veterans medical service system to ensure that veterans and patriots receive comfortable and reliable medical benefits.”

He said, “We will ensure fair compensation for military service so that veterans, active-duty service members, and other individuals devoted to the nation receive the treatment they deserve.” He also said, “We will never forget the efforts of those who, even now, continue to dedicate themselves to the country and its people. Thanks to the soldiers defending the nation day and night, firefighters working tirelessly at disaster sites, and the police officers protecting citizens at crime scenes, people can enjoy security and safety in their daily lives.” President Lee promised, “The government will improve service conditions so that uniformed citizens can serve the country and its people without concern. While our uniformed democratic citizens protect the people, the Republic of Korea will ensure that military personnel, police officers, and firefighters are properly cared for.”

President Lee invited to the Memorial Day ceremony the families of soldiers who died in the Navy patrol plane crash, as well as the family of a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty, and personally extended his condolences to each of them. Upon arriving at the event site, President Lee greeted the bereaved families by holding their hands and offering his condolence. Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung explained, “Although they were not originally included on the list of invitees, they were invited to this commemoration ceremony at the special instruction of the President.”

After 73 years, Song Jae-suk found the remains of her father. When she finished reading a letter to him and returned to her seat, President Lee rose from his chair, took her hand, and offered his support. Song’s father was identified as Private First-Class Song Young-hwan, who participated in the Korean War and was killed in action during the conflict.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr >

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