President Moon Jae-in on June 23 speaks in a reception at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul for Korean War veterans to mark the 67th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.

By Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in on June 23 called Korean War veterans "the pride and history of our nation” in a reception at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul for such veterans to mark the 67th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.

Speaking to more than 500 participants including veterans of the Korean military and United Nations forces, their families and diplomatic corps from countries that sent soldiers to fight for South Korea in the war, he said, “Today’s Korea, a nation of which we are proud, stands on the outstanding spirit and sacrifice shown by the national military and U.N. forces who fought for our nation during the war.”

“The bravery and determination that they showed have defended our country and led to amazing economic growth, as well as a mature democracy across our nation over the years.”

Mentioning that he was the son of war refugees, the president said, “That son is here today with you as president of a nation. I hope that my story will bring to all war veterans a sense of joy and reward.”

“Our government will offer welfare benefits in return for the sacrifices made by war veterans. We will increase benefits for such veterans as well as expand medical welfare services for them. We will ensure that their sacrifices for and contributions to our nation will be met with the proper respect and treatment.”

President Moon added, “I will prove that providing welfare for war veterans is the foundation for stronger national security that leads us toward becoming a stronger nation in unity.”

President Moon Jae-in on June 23 shakes hands with war veterans in a reception for Korean War veterans to mark the 67th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul.

Mentioning North Korea’s series of military provocations, he said, “We will keep our nation safe with a sound alliance between Korea and the U.S. and a strong national defense,” adding, “I will have in-depth discussions with President Donald Trump in the upcoming Korea-U.S. summit talks to further strengthen our alliance and resolve North Korean issues. I will strive to further enhance our alliance with the international community as well.”

"(South) Korea will remember the blood that we shed and the consequential friendship we formed during the war. We will continue to develop such friendship.”

He concluded his speech by saying, “Keeping and developing freedom and democracy that we enjoy to this day and making the Korean Peninsula a peaceful region free of worry over war will contribute to world peace. This is the best way to repay the sacrifice and dedication made by each war veteran to our nation.”

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