Yoon Awards National Medal to UK Korean War Veterans: "Thanks to You, Korea Exists Today"

President Yoon: "Korea's Prosperity is Based on the Sacrifice and Dedication of Veterans"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 19th (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol awarded the National Medal to Victor Swift (88), president of the Korean War Veterans Association, in London, UK, expressing gratitude by saying, "Thanks to you, the Republic of Korea exists today."

President Yoon attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II held at Westminster Abbey in London that day, signed the condolence book nearby, then moved to a hotel to hold the medal awarding ceremony.

Born in 1934, President Swift served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the British Army and fought fiercely in battles such as the Battle of Hook during the Korean War.

President Yoon presented the certificate of the National Medal to President Swift, pinned the medal on his right chest, and handed him a bouquet of flowers.

President Yoon said, "Due to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral events, I visited the UK for the first time since my inauguration, and I am very pleased and honored to present this medal of appreciation on behalf of the Korean people to our Mr. Victor Swift, who serves as the president of the Korean War veterans."

He continued, "The freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea, and the free market economy that has led us to growth and prosperity, exist today thanks to people like Mr. Victor Swift, who, as a teenager, risked his life to protect the freedom of a country and people he had never been to or met before."

President Yoon emphasized, "The fact that the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada dispatched the largest number of young soldiers worldwide to defend against communist invasion, and that I am visiting the UK, the US, and Canada in that order on this trip, is very meaningful."

Wishing for Victor Swift’s health and return visit, the president presented him with a wristwatch, a set of red ginseng, and Gwangjuyo ceramics as gifts.

Wearing a beret, President Swift said, "I am truly moved and surprised," and added, "On behalf of other British veterans, I would like to express my gratitude to the president and everyone here."

When President Swift left the hotel by elevator, President Yoon bowed 90 degrees to see him off.

Later, through a post on his Facebook, President Yoon wrote, "Not only the UK but the entire world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and pays tribute with respect," and "We will not forget the Queen’s dedication to the universal human values of freedom and peace."

He added, "When the Queen ascended the throne, the Republic of Korea was at war due to communist invasion," and emphasized, "The UK was the second country after the US to dispatch about 56,000 soldiers. We must not forget that the dazzling prosperity Korea enjoys today is based on the sacrifice and dedication of the veterans."

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