74th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Ceremony

Honoring noble dedication and sacrifice

Respected 3 million citizens of Incheon, Korean War veterans and their families, 

and distinguished guests present here today,

We are gathered here today to remember the noble dedication 

and sacrifice of the Korean War veterans who gave everything 

to protect the peace and freedom of our nation on the horrific battlefields.

We pay our respects to the heroes of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces 

and the UN forces from 22 countries who sacrificed their lives to defend Korea. 

We wish them peaceful rest and eternal peace. 

We also bow our heads in deep gratitude to the veterans 

who returned victorious from the hellish war, carrying patriotism in their hearts. 

In addition, we extend our deepest condolences to the families 

who sent their beloved ones to the bosom of the nation.

We will honor the patriotism of the veterans and elevate their honor. 

Paradoxically, the Korean War helped shape us into who we are today. 

Despite the horrific war, our people’s great patriotism and sacrifices became 

the source of strength that allowed us to overcome the war’s scars and grow 

into one of the world’s top 10 economies.

Today, Incheon City has awarded commendations to the Korean War veterans 

in appreciation and gratitude for their noble sacrifices and dedication. 

Thanks to their noble sacrifice and dedication, we stand here today. 

The 10 national flags displayed on both sides of the event hall today 

were made with inscriptions personally written by the Korean War veterans.

 Incheon City will remember and honor each and every veteran 

who dedicated themselves to the nation with gratitude.

Incheon City will elevate the commemoration of the great victory 

of the Incheon Landing Operation to a national event, 

developing it into a symbol of peace and freedom not just for Korea but for the world.

 Last month, we petitioned to designate September 15, 

the day of the Incheon Landing Operation, as a national memorial day. 

The Incheon Landing Operation, where Korean and allied forces fought together, 

can be commemorated as a day of global peace and freedom.

Furthermore, as a city committed to patriotic veterans’ affairs, 

Incheon will do its utmost to honor the veterans. 

This includes operating the National Patriots’ and Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 

providing allowances to veterans’ spouses, and establishing an integrated veterans’ hall 

to honor the patriotic spirit of those who served the nation and elevate their honor.

Strong Defense and Thorough Preparedness Are the Foundation of Peace

We will forever remember and engrave in history those 

who built today’s Republic of Korea. 

Strong defense and thorough preparedness are the foundation of peace.

We are now building a strong national defense that no one can challenge.

Incheon City will put all its effort into stronger defense and more robust security.

Our people are great. Despite enduring a war that devastated the entire nation, 

we have risen to become an advanced country 

that exports defense technologies and weapons worldwide. 

This is something no other country has achieved after such devastation.

The noble sacrifices and dedication of the veterans are 

the roots of the peace, freedom, and prosperity we enjoy today. 

Without the sacrifices of the Korean and UN forces, 

we would not have achieved this. 

We will forever remember and engrave in history

those who built today’s Republic of Korea.

Peace is a right that the people must enjoy.

We express our deep respect and gratitude for the great courage 

and noble dedication of the veterans who protected that right.

We wish health and happiness to all veterans and their families. Thank you.