Memorial Service for Fallen UN Soldiers on the 65th Anniversary of the Korean War

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Suh Byung-soo, mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, ambassadors of the many nations that fought in the Korean War, distinguished guests, and Kim Sung-tae, president of the Busan Metropolitan City chapter of the KFF, and his KFF members.

On this occasion, an epitaph of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. in the U.S.A comes to mind.

"Our nation honors the sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

This refers to the 2,300 souls that are buried in this cemetery.

We have not forgotten their sacrifice.

In elementary schools, Korean students learn by heart thenames of the countries that participated in the Korean War. Following the invasion of South Korea by the North, members of the United Nations committed themselves to supporting South Korea.

The United States, Australia, Canada, and Thailand deployed their armies, navies, and air forces; England, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Columbia mobilized their armies and navies; Greece dispatched their armies and air forces; Belgium, Luxembourg, Turkey, the Philippines, and Ethiopia sent their armies; and South Africa sent its air force.

In addition, Norway, India, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden sent hospital ships, and another 39 countries contributed war materials and financial aid.

We have never forgotten the generosity and assistance we received from our allies.

The Korean War showed the world that liberal democracy was being defended here, and awakened us to the true value of freedom and security.

In order not to repeat another tragedy like the Korean War, we must maintain a posture that ensures our national security. Furthermore, we should always remember the pain and sorrow of the past and cultivate and disseminate a sense of security.

Going forward, the Korea Freedom Federation, an organization encompassing private diplomacy as well as a national movement, will dedicate itself to preserving liberal democracy in Korea and contributingto world peace by honoring and learning from the courage and sacrifice of those soldiers.

Thank you.

June 25, 2015

Huh Joon-young

Chairman, Korea Freedom Federation