69th Memorial Day Memorial Service

We reflect on the preciousness of peace and freedom 

and the national spirit safeguarded by our fallen heroes and patriots.

Beloved and respected citizens of Incheon and the 35,000 families of veterans. 

On this 69th Memorial Day, we deeply bow our heads in reverence to the sacred spirits 

f those who sacrificed for our nation’s peace and freedom. 

We pray for the souls of the patriotic martyrs and fallen heroes 

and express our profound respect to the national merit recipients. 

We also offer deep condolences and gratitude to the bereaved families 

who have borne the pain of losing loved ones over many years.

Today, as I stand here, I think about the preciousness 

of peace, freedom, and the great national spirit. 

The modern history of the Republic of Korea is a history of trials and overcoming, 

from independence movements and liberation 

to division, war, dictatorship, and democratization movements. 

Pride and self-respect for peace, freedom, and the nation 

enabled us to overcome all these challenges. 

This patriotic spirit has laid the foundation for the proud history 

of Incheon and the Republic of Korea today.

The Patriotic History Achieved by Our Ordinary Families and Neighbors

Beloved and respected citizens of Incheon and the families of veterans. 

Our proud patriotic history was not created by special individuals. 

It is the history of life built by us, our families, and our neighbors, 

who have lived each day diligently and faithfully.

The students and residents who shouted for independence and were imprisoned, 

the independence fighters who fell on the fields of Manchuria, 

the soldiers and student soldiers who perished in the war to protect our land and people, 

and those who took to the streets against dictatorship, 

were all our ordinary families and neighbors. 

We have gathered here to remember the great patriotic history achieved by these ordinary people.

Remembering and never forgetting our great heroes is the way to inherit their will. 

We must clearly tell our descendants that today’s growth 

and prosperity stand on countless sacrifices.

Proper Respect, Duty, and Responsibility of Descendants

Sacrifice and dedication to the country and the nation must be rewarded. 

“Veteran Affairs” is a duty and responsibility for those left behind. 

Starting with assistance for wounded soldiers and police officers in 1952, 

veteran support has expanded to include respect 

and compensation for national merit recipients. 

Today, it continues as a culture inheriting the spiritual values 

of independence, patriotism, and democracy.

Support for national merit recipients is the source of patriotism. 

Remembering and honoring their noble dedication is what we, descendants of this land, must do. 

Only when there is trust in the nation and national merit recipients 

and their families can take pride does a nation become truly worthy.

Incheon has already declared itself as the first patriotic city in the country. 

We will enhance the value of being a patriotic city 

by providing proper respect to national merit recipients and their families.

We are pursuing the establishment of a comprehensive veterans’ hall. 

This year, Incheon will lead in expanding practical support for veterans’ families, 

such as the newly established allowance for spouses of veterans.

The Incheon Landing Operation commemoration 

is also based on this spirit of veteran affairs. 

It is a pledge to remember, commemorate, and protect Incheon, 

the “City of World Peace,” preserved by our military and people worldwide.

Center of Asia and City of World Peace, Incheon

Reflecting on the Past and Moving Toward a New Future

Beloved citizens of Incheon and the 35,000 families of veterans. 

Incheon is making an unprecedented new start 

on the patriotic spirit and sacrifice of our fallen heroes and patriots. 

With the complete return of the Bupyeong US military base last December after 84 years,

 it has now wholly become the property of the citizens of Incheon. 

A new history, by and for the citizens, will be etched on the site of the Bupyeong US military base.

The establishment of the Overseas Koreans Agency is a historic symbol of Incheon 

embracing our compatriots who left for overseas 100 years ago from Jemulpo Port. 

Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port, 

and the Incheon Free Economic Zone are becoming stages 

where the world connects with Incheon and the Republic of Korea exchanges with the world. 

Now, Incheon is growing as a central city of Asia by proposing and promoting the creation 

of an economic community that unites major maritime cities 

in Asia economically, socially, and culturally.

On the land protected by the sacrifice of our fallen heroes and patriots, 

our nation and the citizens of Incheon are creating a new spirit of the times and dynamic history. 

We move toward the future, but we must not forget the past. 

We must reflect on how Incheon and the Republic of Korea have become what they are today, 

how the City of World Peace, Incheon, was formed, and where we need to go from here.

We will forever remember the courage and sacrifice of our heroes.

On this 69th Memorial Day, we pledge that Incheon and Korea, 

where the spirit of our patriotic martyrs lives on and where their sacrifices are remembered, 

will never stop moving forward into the future.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the police and firefighters 

who dedicate themselves to the safety of our nation and its people on the front lines. 

I also express the utmost respect to our military personnel and overseas deployed soldiers, 

who are protecting our country at the prime of their lives.

We will forever remember the courage and sacrifice of our heroes. 

We will also do our best to ensure that the families of the fallen can take pride in their legacy. 

We pay deep respect to our patriotic heroes who have left us a great legacy 

of patriotism and wish them eternal rest. Thank you.