Commemorative Address for the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

Esteemed Korean War veterans and bereaved families,

the three million citizens of Incheon,

and distinguished guests from home and abroad who have joined us here today.

Today, we have gathered to honor the noble sacrifices of those

who gave their lives seventy-five years ago

to defend the freedom and peace of our nation.

I offer my deepest respect to the fallen heroes 

who gave their lives to protect freedom and peace,

and to the fallen United Nations service members from 22 countries.

May they rest in eternal peace.

To the bereaved families who entrusted their beloved to the embrace of our country,

I extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest respect.

The Korean War left deep scars on our people,

but it also awakened in us an indomitable will for freedom.

The blood and sweat shed by the veterans present here today 

became the solid cornerstone of the Republic of Korea.

Because of your sacrifice and dedication, 

miraculous economic growth and the flourishing of democracy, 

once thought impossible in the aftermath of devastation, became reality.

You have shown us by example that peace is never freely given,

and that unwavering resolve and unity are so vital.

Seventy-five years have passed since the outbreak of the war,

yet the value of peace and the importance of security

are more crucial now than ever.

Incheon will always remember

that strong national defense is the surest way to protect peace,

and we will continue to build a steadfast security posture for the future.

Incheon will never forget its historic significance as a City of Victory

and will strive to further promote the values of freedom, peace, and security.

This coming September, 

the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Incheon Landing Operation

will be prepared as a monumental event

to proclaim to the world the noble spirit of defending freedom and peace.

The commemoration of the Incheon Landing Operation

will reaffirm the great victory of the landing

and further elevate Incheon’s stature 

as a city of peace at the heart of the Republic of Korea,

a city that embodies the nation’s hopes for freedom and the legacy of a great victory.

Esteemed veterans, bereaved families,

and the three million citizens of Incheon.

Incheon has now become the forward base 

for a new leap forward for the Republic of Korea.

The Inner Harbor of Incheon and the old downtown are being reborn

as the central axis leading the future of Korea’s economy.

And with world-class bio and semiconductor companies,

Incheon is emerging as a pioneering city of the future

that will drive the sustainable growth of the Republic of Korea.

The future of the Republic of Korea begins in Incheon,

and all these changes will be created together with our citizens.

Beloved citizens,

peace is a right that everyone deserves.

Once again, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude

to the veterans and national heroes

whose courage and noble devotion have protected that right.

History teaches us the lessons

by which we can determine and anticipate

how we should move toward the future.

The future that the veterans and national heroes protected seventy-five years ago

has become our history today.

We will forever remember and inscribe in history

the names of those who built today’s Republic of Korea.

Incheon Metropolitan City will do its utmost

to ensure that there is no shortcoming in remembering and honoring

the heroes who devoted and sacrificed themselves for our nation, and their families.

Once again, I thank everyone who has joined us here today,

and I wish you and your families continued health and happiness.

Thank you.