[Photo] Cha Hyun-il, Yeongdeungpo District Mayor, Pays Tribute at the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War Hangang Defense Monument

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] On the 25th, Chaehyunil, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, visited the site of the Hangang Defense Baekgol Unit Monument located in Yeouido Hangang Park together with Korean War veterans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, paying tribute to the patriotic spirits who sacrificed their lives to protect the country during the war.

The memorial event was held with the attendance of Chaehyunil, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, Kang Yong-bae, president of the Yeongdeungpo branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, Go Gil-su, secretary-general, and elder Park Su-moon, proceeding with flower offerings and a moment of silence.

The history of the Hangang Defense Baekgol Unit Monument dates back to the early days of the Korean War. At that time, the 18th Infantry Regiment (Baekgol Regiment) established positions on the Hangang embankment to block the advancing enemy and defended Yeongdeungpo alone for seven days.

Later, to honor their significant contribution to delaying the enemy and facilitating the deployment of U.S. ground forces, the Baekgol Veterans Association erected this monument in October 2003. Initially, it was installed within the Yanghwa Artificial Waterfall, but due to the construction of the World Cup Bridge, it was relocated to Yeouido Hangang Park (Exit 2 of Yeouinaru Station) in early June this year.

After the memorial event, Mayor Chaehyunil shared vivid stories of the war with the Korean War veterans. Kang Yong-bae (88) participated in battles in Pocheon, Yeoncheon, and Cheorwon; Go Gil-su (85) served 32 years in the military, responsible for frontline supply and personnel transport; and elder Park Su-moon (87) fought against the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in the Gapyeong battle.

The Korean War veterans present said, “We were only in our mid-teens during the war, but driven by the belief that we must protect our country, we jumped into the battlefield. There were countless times when we faced life and death in combat. Every time we see how much our homeland, protected with blood and sweat, has developed, we feel deeply moved.”

Since June 1, starting with a visit to the National Cemetery, the district has commemorated the noble spirits who sacrificed for the country throughout June, the Month of National Veterans and Patriots, including a pine tree planting event at Yeouido Park on Memorial Day and this visit to the Hangang Defense Baekgol Unit Monument.

Mayor Chaehyunil of Yeongdeungpo District said, “On the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, it was through the noble sacrifice and dedication of the veterans that we could protect freedom, democracy, and today’s Republic of Korea. We will provide proper respect and careful care to the national veterans and their families in our community.”

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