President Moon Jae-in approaches the Hyeonchungtap Memorial Tower during a ceremony to mark Memorial Day, at the Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu District, Seoul, on June 6.

By Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

“Patriotism." (애국, 愛國)

That word was mentioned 22 times in President Moon Jae-in’s tribute to the nation’s patriots and war veterans, and to their families, at the Seoul National Cemetery on June 6.

As he delivered his address to mark Memorial Day on June 6, the president stressed that, “Without our people’s patriotism, Korea -- as it is today -- wouldn’t exist. It’s patriotism that has helped us all to pull through these ordeals.”

Concerning Korean independence fighters, Korean veterans from the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and miners and nurses who were dispatched to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, President Moon said: “It’s all patriotism.”

Stating that, “Patriotism is that which has made Korea what it is today,” the president stressed that, “Each individual who sacrificed their lives for the nation embodies the Republic of Korea. The nation cannot be divided into `conservatives` or `progressives.` We are simply a single Republic of Korea, all in and of itself.”

"Regardless of whether you are left or right as we reclaim our lost country, regardless of how old you are in terms of protecting the country: at the heart of history and of all patriotism there is you, the people,” President Moon stressed.

The president then vowed that he and his administration would "respect and protect the history of patriotism.”

President Moon Jae-in lights an incense stick at the Hyeonchungtap Memorial Tower in honor of patriots and war veterans, during a ceremony to mark Memorial Day in Seoul on June 6.

The president put an emphasis on the importance of caring for the nation`s patriots and veterans, as well as for their family members.

“I declare that rewarding all those patriots, veterans and their families for their sacrifices will lead to national unity and help the nation become strong. Let’s build together a country where patriotism, justice, principles and honesty come with their fair share of reward.”

President Moon Jae-in smiles as children run down the hallway ahead of him, at the Korea Veterans Health Service Medical Center on June 6.

President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook meet with Hwang Eui-seon, an independence fighter and a Korean War veteran, at the Korea Veterans Health Service Medical Center on June 6. President Moon said to the war veteran that, `The patriotism that you showed with your involvement in the independence movement and in the Korean War has made it possible for us to live in today’s Korea. The nation will remember patriots and veterans like you and will always be with you to the end.’

***