Yoon Holds Luncheon with National Defense Heroes and Bereaved Families: "We Will Remember and Honor the Heroes Who Protected the Nation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol said on the 9th, "When I first started in politics, I promised to create a country where those who sacrificed for the nation would not be angered, and that feeling remains the same today."

On this day, President Yoon met with national defense heroes and their families who stood against North Korean provocations such as the Cheonan ship sinking, the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, and the landmine incident at the Yongsan Presidential Office. The event was held in the form of a luncheon under the name "National Defense Heroes Invitation Communication Table" in celebration of June, the month of veterans.

Twenty people attended, including the Cheonan ship crew members, former Cheonan ship captain Choi Won-il (retired Navy Colonel), the late Sergeant Min Pyeong-gi’s mother, Mrs. Yoon Cheong-ja, who in 2020 at the West Sea Defense Day ceremony asked former President Moon Jae-in to "please tell us who was responsible for the Cheonan ship incident."

Before the meal held in the large reception room, President Yoon said, "I pray for the souls of the 46 Cheonan ship warriors, Warrant Officer Han Ju-ho, six warriors of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, and two warriors of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling," adding, "I also express my gratitude and condolences to the bereaved families."

He continued, "Properly honoring the heroes who defended the country and warmly caring for the bereaved families without any grievances is the rightful duty of a normal nation."

In particular, President Yoon pledged, "I will remember and honor the heroes who protect the country in the name of the nation together with the people, ensuring no neglect in their recognition," adding, "There is a saying that who a country and its people remember determines the nation's dignity."

He also emphasized, "Defense and veterans affairs are two sides of the same coin. There can be no strong defense without a solid veterans system, and the veterans system is the foundation of strong defense. As the supreme commander of the military responsible for our country's defense, I will protect you all," raising his voice.

After President Yoon’s remarks, applause broke out among the attendees. Colonel Choi said, "Despite your busy state affairs, we are grateful that you have not forgotten us, the bereaved families and soldiers, and have come to visit us," adding, "Since the current administration took office, we have been deeply moved by the president’s emphasis on the value and importance of national defense and veterans affairs, and by the veterans affairs director who wore work clothes instead of a suit to clean tombstones at the National Cemetery."

On this day, a military band and honor guard were deployed at the presidential office building to welcome the national defense heroes and their families. Presidential watches were presented to the attendees.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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