The First Armed Forces Day Event of the Yoon Administration at Gyeryongdae

<기사제목>National Armed Forces Day Ceremony Held at Gyeryongdae for the First Time in 6 Years Since 2016

President Moon Jae-in is saluting at the 70th Armed Forces Day ceremony held on the 1st at the Peace Plaza of the War Memorial in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The commemorative event for the 74th anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces will be held on the morning of next month’s 1st at the large parade ground of Gyeryongdae in Chungnam. This is the first time in six years since 2016 that the Armed Forces Day ceremony is held at Gyeryongdae.

On the 22nd, the Ministry of National Defense explained the choice of location, stating, "Gyeryongdae, where the headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located, can showcase a strong defense posture and symbolizes the 'Defense Capital' as well as a 'Civil-Military Harmony City.'"

During the Moon Jae-in administration, the event was held at locations including the Marado ship off Yeongil Bay in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, the Army Special Warfare Command in Icheon, Gyeonggi, the Air Force base in Daegu, the War Memorial in Seoul, and the Navy 2nd Fleet in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi.

The first Armed Forces Day ceremony under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration will be held under the theme "Strong Defense, Science and Technology Armed Forces." The event will feature participation from each military branch’s color guard, cadets, the Integrated Future Unit, and the Integrated Special Forces, proceeding with the national ceremony, awarding of medals, commemorative speeches, joint and combined high-altitude parachute jumps, aerial power review, Black Eagles celebratory flight, and special martial arts demonstrations.

The Ministry of National Defense explained that by showcasing core forces representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps (including the three-axis system) and aviation assets, the event aims to establish a "strong defense" capable of immediate response to all-around threats and demonstrate the elite armed forces’ determination to advance as a cutting-edge science and technology military through "Defense Innovation 4.0."

As it is a day to encourage and celebrate the Armed Forces who have protected, dedicated themselves, and developed the nation, about 4,600 people including military personnel and their families, citizens from Daejeon and Gyeryong areas, veterans’ organizations, reservists, and distinguished soldiers will be invited.

In addition to the commemorative event, the Ministry of National Defense plans to continue the celebratory atmosphere by holding the "K-Military Festival with the People" until the 23rd of next month to commemorate Armed Forces Day.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense has requested citizens’ understanding and cooperation, as noise from aircraft maneuvers is expected around Gyeryongdae until the 30th, when rehearsal exercises will be conducted, and on the day of the event. The Armed Forces were established in 1948, and since 1956, the government has designated October 1 as Armed Forces Day and commemorates it annually. October 1 is also the day when the Armed Forces broke through the 38th parallel during the Korean War’s northward advance.

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