During the 71st Memorial Day ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery, Lee said the country has a responsibility not only to honor those who defended it, but also to punish those who betrayed the community for their own interests.
“Only when dedication is honored and betrayal is punished can just unity be achieved for the continuity and development of the national community,” Lee said in his memorial address.
The ceremony was held with some 3,000 people in attendance, including veterans, bereaved families, government officials and uniformed service members.
Lee specifically referred to the Pro-Japanese Property Reversion Act, promulgated on June 2, saying the government would investigate and recover assets unfairly amassed by pro-Japanese collaborators accused of anti-national acts during Japan’s colonial rule.
“We will hold them accountable and set an example to prevent such acts from recurring,” he said.
“We will make promises we can keep, and once we make a promise, we will keep it,” he said. “We will repay the noble sacrifices made for all of us.”
The president said Memorial Day is a time to remember and record the spirit of those who gave their lives for the country and to fulfill the state’s responsibility toward them.
“We stand today on all the tomorrows they gave up,” Lee said.
He stressed that properly honoring patriots and fallen service members is a social responsibility of those living today and a driving force that sustains the national community.
Calling soldiers, firefighters, police officers and coast guard personnel “citizens in uniform” who protect the present, Lee said the government would provide sufficient support so they can focus on their duties for the nation and the public.
Lee also said South Korea is once again facing a wave of crises, citing the economic impact of the Middle East war and efforts to restore the country after domestic turmoil.
“But the strength of the Korean people, who have always united in times of national hardship, will allow us to overcome any crisis,” he said.
“Building a proud Republic of Korea where peace and prosperity are shared by all is the true way to honor the sacrifices of fallen patriots and war heroes and carry forward their noble spirit,” he said.
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