Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“Remember your great sacrifice forever”

The Naval Operations Command (NOC) held a ceremony on June 3 for repaying the 6·25 War veterans and their families’ sacrifices, marking the month of patriotic veterans and the 61st anniversary of the cease-fire.

The ceremony was prepared to honor the great spirit of self-sacrifice of the war veterans who made a commitment to bring freedom and peace in a foreign land far away where they did not know even the country’s name. It was attended by around 10 soldiers of the U.S. 2nd and 3rd infantry divisions at that time and their family members. They paid a visit to UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan to honor patriots who died to bring peace to Korea, before visiting the unit.

They then moved to the NOC and shared pleasant conversation with major commanders and chiefs of staff including Vice Admiral Jung Ho-seob, a commander of operations. Vice Admiral Jung conveyed many thanks to them for  the commitment they showed to save Korea, which was hanging by a thread.

The American veterans toured coastal waters of Busan on board a naval vessel where the Battle of the Korea Straits during the Korean War was broken out, and watched memorial images of a pre-dawn mission conducted in the Gulf of Aden.

They gave praise to the Korean Navy’s status, playing an active part for world peace and safety just half a century later and were proud of themselves not wasting their sacrifices.

“We’ve hosted this ceremony to honor the war veterans’ sacrifices and commitment as well as express our respect and appreciation to them. We will continue holding this ceremony to remember Korean and overseas veterans’ service,” an relevant NOC official said.

By Byeong No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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