Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: "Incheon Landing Operation to Be Held as a Top-Level International Event"

Benchmarking the Normandy Landing Operation during a Business Trip to France

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is listening to an official's explanation at the Normandy Caen Memorial in France on the 13th (local time). [Provided by Incheon City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] South Korea's commemorative project for the 'Incheon Landing Operation,' which reversed the tide of the Korean War, is expected to be elevated and promoted as a large-scale international event comparable to France's Normandy Landing Operation.

During a business trip to Europe, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited Normandy in northern France on the 13th (local time) and inspected the Normandy Landing Operation memorial facilities, including the Memorial de Caen, Omaha Beach, and the U.S. military war cemetery, revealing these plans.

Mayor Yoo plans to gradually expand the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative project starting next year and hold an international event in 2025, the 75th anniversary, with the participation of heads of state from the eight countries involved in the landing operation and veterans.

To this end, the city has formed a cross-citizen council for the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative project and a task force (TF) with related organizations to promote the event, while conducting a research project on mid- to long-term development plans such as building a history memorial hall, and strengthening cooperation with the central government.

Starting next year, the city plans to designate a commemorative week instead of a one-time event and encourage citizen interest and participation through events such as the Korea-U.S. Incheon Landing Operation reenactment, an international security forum, cultural experiences honoring veterans, the 9.15 marathon, a security-themed drawing contest, and screenings of Incheon Landing Operation films.

The Incheon Landing Operation on September 15, 1950, involved 261 vessels from eight countries including South Korea, the U.S., and the U.K., and was recorded as the largest landing operation since World War II. The allied forces attacked the North Korean army's flank and recaptured Seoul within 90 days, completely turning the tide of the Korean War.

However, commemorative events honoring this are limited to ceremonies centered on veterans and bereaved families and a few memorial services.

In contrast, the Normandy Landing Operation commemorations are large-scale events attended annually by heads of state from over 20 countries. Established as a venue for reconciliation and diplomacy, the Normandy Operation commemorations remind participants of the operation's decisive role in the Allied victory during World War II and emphasize to future generations the importance of the freedom won through veterans' sacrifices.

Incheon City also plans to strengthen cooperation with Caen City in Normandy Province to promote commemorative projects befitting the historical significance of the Incheon Landing Operation.

On this day, Mayor Yoo met with Caen Mayor Jo?l Bruneau in Caen, the capital of Normandy Province, and shared various experiences and know-how regarding the Normandy Landing Operation commemorative projects.

Mayor Bruneau stated, "'Memory and memorial tourism' is important to all generations, and we will actively cooperate in collaborative projects with Incheon City," and invited Incheon City to the 80th anniversary commemorative event of the Normandy Landing Operation in 2024.

Mayor Yoo said, "The Incheon Landing Operation holds historical significance and value in defending global liberal democracy, just like the Normandy Landing Operation," adding, "Starting next year, we will gradually expand the scale and duration of the commemorative projects and develop them into an international event in 2025 with the participation of heads of state and veterans from all involved countries."

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is examining the operational map from the Normandy landing operation at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France on the 13th (local time). [Provided by Incheon City]

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