Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Ministry of National Defense holds ceremony to commemorate Belgian troops who died during the Korean War; attended by Belgium’s king and queen Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo: “We express our respect to the fallen troops, and will do our best to recover the nine sets of remains yet to be discovered.” 

A ceremony to commemorate the sacrifices made by the fallen Belgian troops who fought in the Korean War was held on March 26th at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul.

The event was attended by Belgium’s King Philippe and his wife, Belgium’s Minister of Home Affairs, Belgium's ambassador to Korea, Chairman of the Belgian Korean War Veterans Association and war veterans, Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo, Chairman of the War Commemoration Service Society Park Sam-deuk, and Korean war veterans who conducted operations with Belgian troops in the Korean War.

In January 1951, when the Republic of Korea was in a critical situation, Belgium sent a detachment of an infantry battalion in co-operation with a Luxemburg platoon to Korea. They won glorious victories in several key battles, including the Battle of Geumgulsan, the Battle of Hakdangri and the Battle of Jatgol. Unfortunately, 106 young Belgian soldiers fell in battle, and nine sets of their remains have yet to be discovered.

“I want to express my deep admiration and respect for the 106 fallen Belgian soldiers, who died 68 years ago to protect liberal democracy in a small country in Asia, the Republic of Korea, a country that they might not have even heard the name of before the war. The Republic of Korea will repay their ultimate sacrifice by working for a new era of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. As Koreans, we will never forget each and every one of those who fought for us in the war,” Minister Jeong said in his commemorating speech.

“But still, nine sets of the remains of Belgian soldiers are buried somewhere in the Republic of Korea,” Minister Jeong added. “The Republic of Korean government pledges to do its best to help recover the remains of these soldiers, and return them to their families in their home country.”

“The fallen Belgian troops in brown berets, their courage, love for humanity and responsibility to protect freedom and peace have not been in vain. Thanks to their sacrifices, the Republic of Korea has been able to develop into one of the strongest countries in the world, while enjoying freedom and peace. We express again our gratitude and respect for their sacrifices and courage,” he added. 

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