-Commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of the Incheon Landing-

We are all gathered here once again to commemorate what happened on this day 73 years ago.

On that day, the soldiers who landed in Incheon to protect freedom, peace, and democracy, 

and to spread the spirit of goodwill, left historic footprints on the ground.

Today, we want to follow in those footsteps. 

They are not the shadows of war but glorious traces left in search of hope for freedom and peace.

On that day, the lighthouse on Palmido Island was lit, and here in the waters off Incheon, 

261 ships and 75,000 allied soldiers from 8 countries began the landing operation in Incheon.

And those soldiers recaptured Incheon, regained Seoul 

and pushed the frontline past Pyongyang to Sinuiju and the Yalu River, writing the history of victory.

For them, the sea off Incheon was rough and dangerous. 

The ebb and flow of the tide and the mudflats on the west coast 

made it difficult for them to be confident that the landing operation would be successful.

It was successful only because the allied forces made meticulous preparations in advance, 

and because the soldiers of our Naval Intelligence Unit 

were willing to sacrifice their own lives to carry out the operation.

Even the enemy had no idea how the Incheon landing operation would be carried out. 

Thanks to the determination of Douglas MacArthur, 

then supreme commander of the Allied Forces, 

and the unwavering will of our allied soldiers, 

the Incheon landing became a successful operation known throughout world history.

I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude 

to the war veterans here today for their noble sacrifice and dedication.

The spirit of freedom and peace that the allied soldiers from eight countries shed their blood 

to protect has been passed on to the people of our country today. 

And our country has become a central axis for safeguarding world peace.

This beach, retaken by our heroes, is now firmly guarded 

by both the South Korean military and civilians.

Today, Incheon has overcome the scars of war, 

boasts the world's best international airport, port, 

and free economic zone, and interacts with many countries. 

Once an industrial city in the 20th century, 

Incheon is now becoming a hub for the bio-industry, semiconductor industry, aviation industry, 

and the logistics and transportation industry, thus attracting attention from all over the world.

Remembering the emotion I felt at today's event, 

I hope that another Incheon Landing will soon begin with a new meaning, 

and that Incheon will become a ‘City of World Peace’.

It is our duty to express our gratitude to the heroes 

who sacrificed their lives here for freedom and peace. 

And protecting freedom and peace has also become our mission. 

To fulfill this duty and mission, today we declare Incheon the ‘City of World Peace’.

The record of this day, when soldiers from all over the world gathered here 

and marched together in the name of freedom and peace, shouts out 

across the land and sea that Incheon can serve as a city of world peace.

I hope to make my city, Incheon, the greatest global city representing the Republic of Korea. 

I believe that Incheon, a land of opportunity and new creation protected with great spirit 

by soldiers from all over the world, is worthy of this name.

I will make Incheon ‘a world-class city with happy citizens’.

General MacArthur once said, "We must not lose our courage. Courage leads history.”

I believe that the citizens of Incheon and I will take a bold leap into the future. 

In doing so, we will repay the veterans who sacrificed their lives off the coast of Incheon.

Once again, I express my deepest respect and gratitude to the heroes 

who sacrificed themselves during the Incheon Landing Operation.

Thank you.