[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] Why Is the 6.25 Event Held at Night?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The government held the 70th anniversary event of the Korean War at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, at 8:20 p.m. on the 25th. This is the first time the Korean War commemoration event has been held at night.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs stated, "In the past, the Korean War events were usually held indoors in the morning, considering the elderly veterans who had to attend the event in hot weather. This year, it could not be held indoors due to COVID-19, so it was moved outdoors, and since it was held outdoors, it was scheduled at night to avoid the heat."

The event attended by President Moon Jae-in included about 300 participants such as veterans, their families, and key government officials. The number of attendees decreased compared to the 50th anniversary in 2000 (about 10,000 people) and the 60th anniversary in 2010 (about 5,000 people). The organizers explained that the reduced number of attendees was due to the variables of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the heat.

The government held the Korean War event under the theme "Salute to the Heroes," honoring those who dedicated themselves during the Korean War. This was President Moon’s first participation in the Korean War commemoration ceremony, interpreted as a gesture of respect and gratitude toward the veterans who devoted themselves to protecting the nation and a commitment to provide the highest honors.

In particular, 147 remains of South Korean soldiers who died in the war and are returning home after 70 years through the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) were present. These 147 remains were excavated in North Korean territory in the 1990s, transferred to the United States, and after identification processes by both South Korea and the U.S., were confirmed as South Korean war dead. Among them, seven were identified as soldiers who died in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. They include Private Kim Jeong-yong, Corporal Oh Dae-young, Sergeant Ha Jin-ho, and Privates Kim Dong-seong, Choi Jae-ik, Park Jin-sil, and Jeong Jae-sul. The Battle of Chosin Reservoir took place from November 26 to December 11, 1950, in the Jangjin area of South Hamgyong Province, where 30,000 UN troops and 120,000 Chinese troops fought in severe cold, resulting in approximately 17,000 UN casualties and 48,000 Chinese casualties.

On the 21st, the government sent a repatriation remains reception team led by Deputy Defense Minister Park Jae-min to Hawaii, USA. The remains were placed in the passenger seats of the latest aerial refueling aircraft, the Cygnus, and arrived on the afternoon of the 24th. In addition to the 147 remains, six U.S. military remains excavated domestically and identified were also present at the event. President Moon personally welcomed these remains and planned to enter the venue together with the families of the identified fallen soldiers among the 147 remains.

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