The Korean Veterans Association held its 74th Veterans Day commemoration on October 8 at the COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul.
Under the slogan "Change and Innovation of the Veterans Association, an Indispensable Korea," the event was attended by key figures including Minister of Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul, lawmakers Min Byung-deok and Chae Hyun-il, and Baek Jong-ho, head of the Defense Public Relations Agency. Over 1,000 attendees included members from regional veterans associations, overseas branches, and various veterans organizations, as well as UN diplomatic representatives, U.S. military personnel, and students participating in the Veterans Association's national trek.
Veterans Day is a statutory holiday established under regulations concerning various commemorative days. The Veterans Association commemorates this day annually to honor the sacrifices and dedication of veterans while reflecting on the importance of national security, freedom, and peace.
The ceremony began with a performance by the Army Military Band, followed by a national ceremony, a commemorative video, remarks by President Shin Sang-tae, government awards, a speech delivered on behalf of the president by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, speeches from key figures, and a national unity performance. The event also included awards and scholarships from the Veterans Association, reflections from participants in the national trek, and a performance by a multicultural children's choir, emphasizing the value of national security for future generations.
In a speech read by Minister Kwon, President Lee Jae-myung praised the dedication of veterans who have steadfastly protected the nation and its people since the association's founding. He stated, "Even after laying down their uniforms, they have become reliable leaders in their communities. The veterans' readiness to step forward in times of community hardship serves as a great example for younger generations. I will do my utmost to create a Korea where dedication and sacrifice for the country are fully respected."
In his remarks, President Shin noted, "Founded during the Korean War, the Veterans Association has contributed to national reconstruction after the war and has worked for the development of the nation and local communities as a second line of defense for national security over the past 74 years. We will continue to fulfill our roles and responsibilities as a strong security and veterans organization contributing to national and social development."
Following the ceremony, the Veterans Association also held a "Resolution Rally Condemning North Korea's DMZ Landmine Provocation," which took place on September 21 at the western front DMZ. Attendees condemned North Korea's act of laying landmines on South Korean territory as a serious military provocation and called for accountability and an immediate apology. They also expressed support for the military's role in maintaining a strong security posture and pledged to uphold the Veterans Association's role in safeguarding national security.
Founded in February 1952 in Busan, the wartime capital, the Veterans Association is the leading organization for veterans in South Korea. It has contributed to national and social development through mutual support among members, promotion of national security and veterans culture, and community service activities. Currently, the association operates 14 regional chapters, 223 city and county chapters, 3,098 town and village chapters, and 25 overseas branches, continuously advancing members' rights and welfare as well as security and service activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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