Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Memorial ceremony held on the third anniversary of General Paik Sun-yup’s death

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup called him a “true military officer who saved the nation”

Similar ceremonies were held by the Army to pay tribute to his achievements regardless of generation and social position

(P1) On July 5, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (front) is attending a memorial ceremony at the Dabudong War Memorial Museum to mark the third anniversary of the death of General Paik Sun-yup. He is burning incense at the monument to honor the war dead, accompanied by (from right to left in the back row) Army 2nd Operations Commander Shin Hee-hyeon, Chief of Staff of the Army Park Jeong-hwan, ROK-US Combined Forces Commander Paul LaCamera, and Deputy Commander Ahn Byung-seok. Reported by Kim Byeong-mun

On July 5, a memorial ceremony marking the third anniversary of the death of the late General Paik Sun-yup, a Korean War hero who defended the freedom and peace of South Korea, was held at the Dabudong War Memorial Museum in Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

The event was held to pay tribute to the deceased who were dedicated to defending the fatherland and building a solid ROK-US alliance and to inspire national security awareness.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said that because of the noble sacrifice and dedication of patriotic heroes such as General Paik, “we enjoy freedom, peace and prosperity, and I will make efforts to establish a culture where uniformed service personnel are respected.”

He noted that General Paik was “a true soldier and hero who defended South Korea, which was mired in crisis during the Korean War, and in particular, his victory in the Dabudong Combat here laid the foundation for the United Nations forces’ counterattack.” He went on to say, “General Paik is the root and symbol of the ROK-US alliance, and he laid the cornerstone for the alliance based on a comradeship of blood and sweat with US soldiers amid the fighting of the war.”

Minister Lee also said, “General Paik also tried to publicize those who were devoted to the nation, but were not known, and thanks to his efforts, we are paying attention and courtesy to the A-frame Army and KLO.” He added that the freedom, peace and prosperity that South Korea enjoys today are due to the noble sacrifices and dedication of patriotic heroes such as the late General Paik, and the military is preserving the lofty ideals of General Paik and establishing a culture where uniformed service personnel are respected.

The event was attended by more than1,000 people including the late General Paik’s bereaved families, the leader of the People Power Party Kim Gi-hyeon, Minister Lee, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-shik, Chief of Staff of the Army Park Jeong-hwan, the ROK-US Combined Forces Commander Paul LaCamera, ex-chiefs of staff of the Army, officials from veterans’ organizations, and local residents.

The event proceeded with a silent tribute to deceased patriots, an offering flowers, incense burning, welcome remarks by the Chief of Staff of the Army, a commemoration speech by the Defense Minister, a memorial address, words of thanks from the representative of the deceased's family, and a memorial performance.

Participants offered flowers and burned incense at the monument to the war dead, and paid respects to the fallen heroes who defended the nation. A video on the life and achievements of General Paik, who led the victory of the Korean War and laid the foundation for the ROK-US alliance, was also shown.

During the memorial performance, students from Daegyo Elementary School in Chilgok sang Spring in My Hometown and Love and Blessing. The participants sang along, remembering the noble will of the deceased and pledging to continue the proud history.

The memorial ceremony was organized by the Army, which combined multiple events previously hosted by private organizations. It was significant that on the occasion of both the Korean War Armistice Agreement and the 70th anniversary of the ROK-US alliance, a diverse array of participants–from privates to generals on active service, students, and war veterans–paid tribute to the deceased’s achievements, transcending generational and social divides.

Chief of Staff of the Army Park said, “General Paik was a real soldier who preferred to be called a soldier rather than any other designation. I will firmly defend the peace of South Korea by remembering and cherishing his aspirations.”

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

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>