Jeong Kyeong-doo, Minister of National Defense: "The ROK-US Alliance is Strong Because of the Presence of the United States Forces Korea Veterans Association"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-du visited the United States to hold a meeting with the executives of the Korean Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) and comfort the Korean War veterans residing in Washington D.C.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 24th, Minister Jeong met with KDVA Chairman Walter Sharp, former Commander of United States Forces Korea, and other executives, saying, "I express my gratitude to the KDVA members who served as U.S. Forces Korea and dedicated themselves to the security of the Republic of Korea, and who continue to work to strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance even after their discharge."

He emphasized, "It is thanks to the strong support of the veterans who back the alliance that the ROK-U.S. alliance has maintained an unprecedentedly solid relationship today."

In response, Chairman Sharp said, "I am confident that the ROK-U.S. alliance will continue to be even stronger," adding, "This year, marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, is a special year for the alliance, and we will promote various activities to enhance its value and boost the pride of U.S. Forces Korea soldiers."

Following this, Minister Jeong invited Korean War veterans to a dinner gathering.

In his greeting at the dinner event, Minister Jeong stated, "Thanks to the sacrifices of the American veterans who defended the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea 70 years ago, today Korea has become a liberal democracy boasting the world's 10th largest economy," and added, "Our people will forever hold gratitude and remembrance for the veterans."

Paul Cunningham of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) said, "Many veterans have witnessed the development of democracy and economic prosperity in Korea, which has deepened their sense of meaning and fulfillment in their service," and added, "The fallen soldiers would surely believe that their deaths were not in vain."

Fred Honaman, a retired lieutenant who sat at the same table as Minister Jeong during the National Armed Forces Day luncheon held at the Blue House in 2018, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Korea continues to remember its veterans without change."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.