President Moon: "The Declaration of the End of the War Must Be Backed by a Strong Defense That No One Can Shake"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in emphasized the importance of national defense, stating that a strong defense that no one can shake must back the 'Declaration of the End of War' proposed in his keynote speech at the 76th United Nations General Assembly.

On the 1st, immediately after the 73rd Armed Forces Day commemorative ceremony, President Moon attended the Armed Forces Day commemorative tea party held on the Marado ship and said, "We are making efforts through dialogue and diplomacy for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and lasting peace, but this too must be supported by strong security."

He added, "In my keynote speech at the UN General Assembly, I proposed the Declaration of the End of War on the Korean Peninsula, which must be backed by a strong defense that no one can shake."

In his encouragement speech at the tea party, President Moon praised the efforts of those involved in preparing for the Armed Forces Day event, which was held for the first time in the waters off Pohang. He also expressed pride in our military through the 'Peacemaker' joint amphibious operation demonstrated by our forces at the event, stating that we are taking step by step toward the military's goal of 'self-reliant defense.'

At the event, Park Seong-yong, son of the late Colonel Park Jeong-mo, who raised the Taegeukgi flag at the Central Government Complex during the Seoul recapture operation, attended, and Lee Bong-sik, a first-generation Marine Corps veteran, read the pledge of allegiance to the nation at the ceremony. President Moon also expressed his gratitude to them.

Following the tea party, President Moon and the First Lady attended a luncheon to encourage soldiers held at the dining hall of the Marine Corps 1st Division Education and Training Unit. President Moon encouraged the soldiers, saying he was very proud that the Marines took the lead in showing the joint amphibious operation to the public. Actor Kim Sang-joong, a Marine Corps veteran who hosted today's commemorative ceremony, also joined the luncheon.

First Lady Kim Jung-sook presented a congratulatory card wishing for healthy growth as a bright person in the world, along with a baby jacket embroidered with the nickname 'Star' and her signature, to a Marine 1st Division captain who is expecting her third child.

At today's luncheon, in addition to the military dining hall menu, grilled chicken thigh with yuzu soy sauce and colorful vegetable seafood stir-fry prepared by the Blue House chef were also served.

Meanwhile, before the Armed Forces Day commemorative ceremony, President Moon and the First Lady visited the memorial tower to honor the Marines who died in the 2018 Marine On accident. President Moon expressed condolences to the bereaved families, saying, "I am worried that this might reopen wounds," and the families requested that the president ensure aircraft safety, saying that their sons in heaven would be pleased that the president came.

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