President Moon: "17,000 Australian Veterans Put Aside Youth Dreams to Protect Korea" (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the afternoon of the 13th (local time), President Moon Jae-in held the "Australia-Korea War Veterans Invitation Dinner" in Canberra, Australia, expressing gratitude for the dedication of the war veterans.

At the dinner, President Moon emphasized, "71 years ago, when the Korean War broke out and the Republic of Korea faced a great crisis, Australia was the second country after the United States to decide to participate in the war," adding, "More than 17,000 Australian veterans put aside their dreams during the brightest time of their youth to protect the freedom, peace, and lives of the Republic of Korea."

President Moon paid tribute to the veterans and stated, "The humanity and dedication of the veterans who defended the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea will be forever remembered in the hearts of our people and will form the foundation of the eternal friendship between Australia and the Republic of Korea."

He then mentioned that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961, the two countries have shared values of democracy, human rights, and market economy while expanding cooperation, adding, "The two countries will remember and honor the lives and spirits of the veterans and work together for regional peace and shared prosperity."

President Moon noted that 42 Australian veterans have yet to return to their homeland and families, stating, "We will do our best to find every last veteran and return them to their families and comrades."

This dinner was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korea-Australia diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong. President Moon and the First Lady invited Australian Korean War veterans and their families to express gratitude for their sacrifice and dedication. The event was attended by about 60 people, including Australian Federal Government officials such as Defense Minister Peter Dutton and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Andrew Gee, as well as Australian veterans and their families.

The Battle of Gapyeong was a battle from April 23 to 25, 1951, during which the Chinese Communist forces launched an offensive to expand their breakthrough toward the Gapyeong area. The 27th Commonwealth Brigade, including Australian troops, desperately held off the Chinese forces, who outnumbered them five to one, around the Gapyeongcheon area.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong, attendees watched a gratitude video recording the sacrifice and dedication of the veterans, followed by remarks from President Moon, Minister Dutton, and Minister Gee. Before the dinner, Admiral Ian Crawford (90) and General Colin Khan (90) proposed toasts.

Admiral Crawford, who served in the Far East Fleet during the Korean War and is currently the president of the Korean War Veterans Association, said, "Even after decades, being recognized like this brings peace to our hearts. The Korean War is no longer the Forgotten War."

Meanwhile, before the dinner event with the veterans, President Moon paid tribute to the Australian veterans who sacrificed and dedicated themselves for the Republic of Korea by laying wreaths at the Australian War Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

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