SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - South Korea honored some 50 sailors and other victims who died defending the maritime border in the West Sea at a ceremony in Daejeon on Friday.
About 1,500 people gathered at Daejeon National Cemetery to mark the 11th anniversary of a joint commemoration honoring victims of naval incidents and skirmishes with North Korea including a naval battle near the border island of Yeonpyeong in June 2002, the sinking of the corvette Cheonan in March 2010, and the shelling of the same island in November 2010.
The country has observed the fourth Friday of March as a day of remembrance, holding annual ceremonies since 2016 to honor those who gave their lives defending the nation.
Among those in attendance were President Lee Jae Myung, the bereaved families of the fallen sailors, their surviving crewmembers, as well as military officials and veterans.
In his speech, Lee vowed to ensure that the "blood and sweat shed by our heroes" would not be forgotten and prayed for their "eternal rest."
He also offered condolences to families who "buried loved ones in their hearts" and thanked veterans living with "wounds and memories," saying, "Because you are here, South Korea stands firm today."
Pledging proper treatment and compensation for those who served and sacrificed for the country, Lee said monthly payments will be handed out to spouses of war veterans to support their livelihoods, starting from May.
He also promised that the number of medical institutions accessible to veterans and other national merit recipients would be increased to 2,000 nationwide by 2030, adding that "those in uniform" can serve their duties with greater pride.
He said building a peaceful Korean Peninsula, free from the fear of war, is the legacy the West Sea heroes left behind.
About 1,500 people gathered at Daejeon National Cemetery to mark the 11th anniversary of a joint commemoration honoring victims of naval incidents and skirmishes with North Korea including a naval battle near the border island of Yeonpyeong in June 2002, the sinking of the corvette Cheonan in March 2010, and the shelling of the same island in November 2010.
The country has observed the fourth Friday of March as a day of remembrance, holding annual ceremonies since 2016 to honor those who gave their lives defending the nation.
Among those in attendance were President Lee Jae Myung, the bereaved families of the fallen sailors, their surviving crewmembers, as well as military officials and veterans.
In his speech, Lee vowed to ensure that the "blood and sweat shed by our heroes" would not be forgotten and prayed for their "eternal rest."
He also offered condolences to families who "buried loved ones in their hearts" and thanked veterans living with "wounds and memories," saying, "Because you are here, South Korea stands firm today."
Pledging proper treatment and compensation for those who served and sacrificed for the country, Lee said monthly payments will be handed out to spouses of war veterans to support their livelihoods, starting from May.
He also promised that the number of medical institutions accessible to veterans and other national merit recipients would be increased to 2,000 nationwide by 2030, adding that "those in uniform" can serve their duties with greater pride.
He said building a peaceful Korean Peninsula, free from the fear of war, is the legacy the West Sea heroes left behind.
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