The Navy held a ceremony in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to mark its 81st anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the safety of citizens and vessels while protecting maritime sovereignty.
On the morning of November 11, the Navy hosted the 81st anniversary ceremony in front of the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, led by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul. The event was attended by veterans, bereaved families, former Chiefs of Naval Operations, heads of related organizations, and Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
In his address, Admiral Kim honored the efforts and sacrifices of the founding elders, stating, "After liberation, Admiral Son Won-il and the founding elders established the Navy with the belief that 'the future of the nation lies at sea' despite difficult conditions."
He continued, "The founding elders pooled their salaries and family donations to secure the first combat ship, the Baekdusan, and established the Marine Corps with the spirit of 'creating something from nothing,' laying the foundation for today's Navy and Marine Corps."
Admiral Kim noted that the Navy has evolved by operating advanced Aegis destroyers and submarines, while the Marine Corps has introduced Marine-on amphibious assault helicopters, enhancing their core capabilities for national defense.
He emphasized, "The economy of the Republic of Korea is connected to the world through sea routes, and ensuring the safety of our citizens and vessels while safeguarding maritime sovereignty is the Navy's crucial mission that supports our status as a maritime power."
Admiral Kim pledged, "As an elite Navy that protects the people, we will not retreat in the face of any threat and will defend the waters of the Republic of Korea to the end."
The ceremony began with the entrance of senior comrades alongside future generations, including naval cadets, military officer candidates, and students from naval science and technology high schools. It included a commemorative video presentation, a national ceremony, the presentation of the Son Won-il Award, a report on the Navy's history, and the reading of a congratulatory message from the President.
To celebrate the establishment anniversary, the Navy organized related events. In the afternoon, a reopening ceremony for the exhibition titled 'Records of the First Three Days of Battle' featuring a model of the Baekdusan was held on the second floor of the War Memorial of Korea. At 7:30 PM, a patriotic concert themed 'Proud My Navy, Our Navy' will take place at KBS Hall in Yeouido.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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