National Ceremony Commemorates UN Forces Participation Day, expressing gratitude and respect for Korean War veterans from 22 nat...

The National Ceremony for UN Forces Participation Day was held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, on July 27. The event honored the dedication of soldiers who participated in the Korean War to defend Korea, while also emphasizing the importance of friendship and cooperation with UN member countries.

Under the theme "Together for Peace, Toward Tomorrow," the ceremony expressed gratitude to the UN veterans who safeguarded democracy during the Korean War, and conveyed a message of passing on the Korea's peace and prosperity-achieved through their sacrifice and dedication-to future generations.

The ceremony's theme was visually represented through a traditional Korean knot pattern that interwove the national flags of the 22 UN member states, the Korean flag, and the UN flag. This powerful imagery symbolized: i) solidarity in the pursuit of freedom and peace, ii) enduring friendship between nations, and iii) the commitment to pass these values on to future generations-resonating deeply with those in attendance.

The ceremony drew a large and meaningful turnout, with over 1,000 participants in attendance. These included UN veterans and their families from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ethiopia; Prime Minister Kim Min-seok; key government and military leaders; Korean War veterans; diplomatic representatives based in Korea from participating nations; as well as students and members of the public. The event proceeded in the following order: i) a joint entrance by the chief guest and UN veterans, ii) the procession of participating nations' flags, iii) the national pledge and tribute, iv) remarks by representatives of the participating countries, v) a dedication performance, vi) the presentation of government awards, vii) a commemorative address, and viii) a concluding celebratory performance.

At the ceremony, US veterans who distinguished themselves during the Korean War, as well as individuals who contributed significantly to promoting the honor of Korean War veterans and strengthening the ROK-US alliance, were presented with government awards. Among the honorees, the late Fred B. McGee was posthumously awarded the Taeguk Order of Military Merit. As a member of the US 7th Infantry Division, he led covering fire to protect his injured platoon leader and continued to support the evacuation of the wounded and fallen even after the unit's withdrawal during the Dangwangri Battle in June 1952.

Kyle Austin Scott, former President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 44, was honored with the Order of Civil Merit for his unwavering efforts to uphold the dignity and welfare of Korean War veterans. Jong Hoon Bae, the permanent conductor of the Seocho Philharmonia and a long-time organizer of tribute concerts for UN veterans since 2009, received the Civil Merit Medal in recognition of his contributions.

In his celebratory remarks, the Prime Minister said, "Freedom and peace are precious values that Koreans have preserved alongside 1.98 million UN soldiers. We will remember and honor the noble sacrifices of those who defended the Republic of Korea and upheld the spirit of solidarity for peace." He also said, "Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Korean War veterans, both at home and overseas, for their unwavering dedication. Our alliance has been solidified, and together, we will advance toward peace and prosperity."

By Byeong-No, Yun <[email protected] >

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