President Moon: "Alliance forged through participation in war... Repaying the sacrifice and dedication of veterans" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated at the United Nations Command (UNC) Veterans Medal Award Ceremony held in commemoration of the 'UN Command Veterans Day,' "We will remember the 'blood alliance forged through participation in the war' and repay the sacrifices and dedication of the veterans."

On the morning of the 27th at 10 a.m., President Moon held the UNC Veterans Medal Award Ceremony at the Blue House State Guest House to commemorate 'UN Command Veterans Day,' awarding medals to the late Father Emil Joseph Capone, a U.S. war chaplain veteran, and General Colin Nicholas Khan, an Australian war veteran.

Until now, the task of awarding the UNC Veterans Medal on UN Command Veterans Day had been assigned to the Prime Minister, but President Moon became the first president in history to personally present the medals.

President Moon said, "Since its founding, the UN participated in the Korean War for the first time, deeply engraving in world history that solidarity and cooperation can protect a nation's freedom and peace," adding, "At a time when the importance of solidarity and cooperation is felt more acutely due to COVID-19, it is very meaningful to reflect on the significance of the UN Command veterans."

Father Capone, who received the Taeguk Order of Military Merit, was deployed as a military chaplain on July 15, 1950, during the Korean War and is known as the 'Saint of the Korean War' for practicing philanthropy indiscriminately toward both allied and enemy forces. General Khan, who received the Order of Civil Merit, Pomegranate Medal, participated in the war in July 1952 as a platoon leader of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and suffered lung damage from enemy gunfire while conducting frontline reconnaissance missions. The ceremony was attended by Father Capone's nephew, Raymond Emil Capone, and General Khan's grandniece, Catherine Elizabeth Khan, who accepted the awards on their behalf.

President Moon explained the reasons for the awards, saying, "Father Capone showed steadfast courage in protecting freedom, peace, and faith even under extreme conditions of injury and captivity. He cared for the wounded, conducted Mass, and practiced profound love by praying for the enemy." He added, "General Khan, a brave platoon leader of the Royal Australian Regiment, survived a critical injury in November 1952 and, after the war, took the lead in promoting South Korea's development throughout Australia."

President Moon stated, "The noble sacrifices and dedication of Father Capone, General Khan, and the 1.95 million UN veterans from twenty-two countries have become a source of pride and honor for the Republic of Korea," pledging to repay the veterans' sacrifices and dedication while working with the international community to overcome challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change.

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