Hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the annual event to remember the 1950-53 Korean War took place outside of Seoul for the first time. Daegu was chosen mainly due to its symbolic status as a temporary capital during the war and its significance as the site of several pivotal battles, such as the Battle of Pohang, which turned the tide of the war.
"The government will do its best to properly treat war veterans with respect," Yoon said in his opening address at the event. He also stressed that South Korea will "maintain a firm military readiness" to respond to any provocations by North Korea.
"We should never forget the great sacrifices of war heroes, who laid the foundation for the country's remarkable growth," said Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jung-ai.
The government plans to hold the annual ceremony in different regions every year.
