Chairman Lello of the International Federation of Korean War Veterans Associations,
Mr. Kim Yang, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs,
Mr. Park Se-jik, President of Korean Veterans Association,
Mr. Chi Kap-chong, Special Advisor to International Federation of Korean War Veterans Associations,
and distinguished members of the Federation,
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome all of you back to Korea. Some of you might have visited Korea before, and others might not have a chance to come back here since you left then war-torn country nearly 55 years ago. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Korea, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you for coming a long way for this reunion.
I am particularly pleased to have you here since this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Korea, which might have disappeared from the map of the world if it had not been for your indomitable courage and noble sacrifices.
Your dedicated service and noble sacrifices rendered during and even after the tragic war have long been cherished in the heart of the Korean people. More than half a century ago, at the time when you arrived in Korea which you might have never heard of, the country had nothing more than refugees in despair, destroyed cities and abandoned villages.
You fought the brutal war and endured terrible hardships. Some of your war brothers were wounded and some could never see their beloved families again. The Korean people and government will not forget your lofty sacrifices forever. You fought for freedom and democracy of your friend, which, I believe, is the noblest sacrifice a man can do and the finest qualities of humanity.
You fought under the flag of the United Nations to which the Republic of Korea is always thankful. As you may know, the United Nations which saved us more than half a century ago is now headed proudly by the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, a Korean.
My Dear Friends,
It was also your courage and friendship that inspired and supported the Korean people throughout our long journey for making Korea from an once war-torn, poor, destitute country to today’s prosperous and modern country.
Today, Korea has the world’s thirteenth largest economy and has played a leading role in various sectors of the world economy including shipbuilding, automobile, semiconductor, steel, electronics, and other items in information and technology industry. Furthermore, we are providing financial and human resources to other countries as you did to us earlier.
Korea will do its best to become a contributing member of the international community by providing more assistance and sharing its development experiences with other countries.
While we have tried our utmost to achieve economic development and political democratization, you have stood firm by the Korea people as staunch supporters and faithful friends.
My Dear Friends,
Allow me to quote a saying that goes “old friends and old wine are best.” Korea met you nearly six decades ago and I hope our friendship goes forever and gets closer as wine tastes better over time.
In closing, I thank you again for being here with us and I wish you will experience warm hospitality of the Korean people and safely return home with a fond memory of Korea.
To the good health of the distinguished veterans present here today, I would like to propose a toast.
To your good health!
Thank you.
이 누리집은 대한민국 공식 전자정부 누리집입니다.
