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Message from the Mayor

“The Great Legacy of the Incheon Landing Operation, to be Shared with the World”

Date
2024-10-07

74th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation 

Commemoration Ceremony

 

The Day When Humanity United in History

Honored citizens of the Republic of Korea, 

war veterans, and families of the Korean War.

Veterans from the eight nations who participated 

in the Incheon Landing Operation and their families.

Members of our Armed Forces who continue to defend our homeland.

And beloved citizens of Incheon.


Today, on the 74th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation, 

we gather to honor the heroic footprints left on this land 

and to carry forward the spirit they represent.


The Incheon Landing Operation stands as a historic victory, 

made possible by the collective efforts of nations to defend 

peace and freedom and to embody the spirit of humanity. 

We are not here to glorify war but to remember that day 

as a lasting legacy of peace, freedom, and prosperity. 

We come together to commemorate this historic event, 

which symbolized the global unity that upheld these shared values.


We offer our deepest respect and gratitude for the courage, 

determination, and sacrifice of the war veterans. 

On that day, the seas off Incheon were rough and dangerous. 

Before the first steps toward peace and freedom could be taken, 

our naval intelligence unit made great sacrifices. 

These brave individuals gathered critical intelligence, 

including enemy positions, minefield maps, and coastal landmarks. 

They even managed to light the Palmido Lighthouse 

before making the ultimate sacrifice.


We must also remember the contributions of the war veterans, 

especially the student soldiers who took part in the Jangsa Landing Operation 

in Jangsa-ri, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

an integral part of the broader Incheon Landing Operation. 

The courage and indomitable spirit of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, 

the United Nations forces, and our student soldiers 

made this world-changing event possible.


The peace and freedom defended by the United Nations forces 

of eight nations, at great personal cost, have allowed Incheon to rise 

as a city of peace that promotes global harmony. 

We extend our deepest respect and gratitude for the immense sacrifices 

and noble dedication of our war veterans.


Incheon: An International Peace City! 

Leading Peace and Urban Community Growth.

Incheon has healed the scars of war to become an international city, 

boasting the world’s top airport, port, and economic free zone. 

By partnering with cities around the globe, Incheon will lead in fostering 

peace and urban growth, grounded in the values of peace, freedom, 

and humanitarian spirit preserved by our war veterans.


It is our duty to remember and honor the heroes 

who gave their lives for peace and freedom. 

Preserving this legacy for future generations is our mission. 

In line with this, Incheon has joined the “International Cities of Peace,” 

a non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations.


In truth, Incheon has long been a city of peace. 

Seventy-four years ago, the day when multiple nations united 

under the United Nations flag in the waters off Incheon to advance 

the cause of peace and freedom proved that Incheon is, 

and always has been, a symbol of international peace.


Highlighting the Significance of the Incheon Landing Operation

Sharing the Value of Peace with the World

Incheon remains a border city with North Korea, facing the Demilitarized Zone. 

A decade ago, it was the site of shelling and naval battles. 

The West Sea, which Incheon borders, continues to be a region 

where global powers’ interests converge and conflicts remain.


Therefore, I aim to transform Incheon into a true symbol 

of international peacea place where people from all over the world 

can come together to share the invaluable lessons of peace. 

Incheon, a city of creativity and opportunity, preserved 

by the great sacrifices of people worldwide, is fully capable of achieving this.


This is how we honor the war veterans who gave their lives 

in the waters off Incheon and highlight the enduring significance 

of the Incheon Landing Operation. This is why we have gathered here today.


We will always remember, now and forever. 

Once again, with heartfelt respect, we honor the immense dedication 

and noble sacrifices of the heroes of the Incheon Landing Operation. 

Thank you.


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