During his speech at the Memorial Day event, Yoon mentioned every name of patriotic heroes who sacrificed their lives, saying that “they will be remembered in the country’s name forever.”
“North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats are getting sophisticated; we will respond to its provocations firmly and sternly and build a more fundamental and practical security capability.”
President Yoon Suk Yeol said on the 6th that “he will create a country where heroes in uniform are respected.”
He also made clear that his administration would build a “more fundamental and practical security capability while deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.”
President Yoon gave remarks at the 67th Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Seoul on June 6. He said, “I pay tribute to all those who made noble sacrifices for the country and bow my head in prayer. I also extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who went through the pain for many years of losing their family.”
The ceremony, with the title “We Remember Your Sacrifices in Protecting the Republic of Korea,” was attended by more than 5,000 people of national merit, bereaved families, key government officials, representatives from all walks of life, citizens, and students.
President Yoon said, “while it was the heroes’ mission to protect the national security and the safety of the people, it is the state’s duty to take care of the family left behind.” He also added, “the sacrifices of heroes should no longer lead to tears for the families left behind.”
“We could only preserve the freedom and peace we enjoy now through the courage and devotion of the martyrs and patriots who sacrificed for the country. We cannot fully repay them for courage that was more important than anything else and could not keep them away from death,” he said. “Building a country where more freedom, democracy, and human rights flourish will honor their sacrifice.”
President Yoon articulated that he would treat the people of national merit and their bereaved families more warmly. “A robust system of veteran’s affairs is the foundation of strong national security. I will do my best to build a fair and reasonable system of veterans affairs so that nobody is treated unfairly.”
He also said, “We will build a more fundamental and practical security capability while deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.”
“Even now, North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats are getting more sophisticated. Also, yesterday, North Korea fired various kinds of ballistic missiles. They are not only threatening the peace on the Korean Peninsula but also in Northeast Asia and the world,” he pointed out.
President Yoon emphasized that his administration would respond firmly and sternly to any provocations from North Korea. “We will not miss any part of protecting the life and property of our people,” he said.
In his speech, President Yoon listed every name of the patriotic heroes, including 1) Air Force Major Jung-min Shim of the ROKAF 10th Fighter Wing, who died remaining in duty by not leaving the control stick until the end to prevent the fighter jet from going down toward private houses; 2) Fire Assistant Chief Hyung-seok Lee, Fire Lieutenant Su-dong Park, Fire Engineer Woo-chan Cho from Songtan fire station, who died while rescuing people at a fire at a distribution center in Pyongtaek; 3) Senior Inspector Doo-hwan Jung, Assistant Inspector Hyun-jun Hwang and Joo-il Cha from the Aviation Corps of Southern Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, who died in a plane crash on their way back after searching for a missing ship in the Taiwan waters.
“In the name of the country, I will forever remember the courage of the heroes,” President Yoon said.
