Hoengseong County Vows to Remember the Sacrifice of Dutch Korean War Veterans

Memorial Ceremony Held at Bohun Park and Veterans Memorial Park in Hoengseong on May 1
Over 120 Attendees Including Dutch Ambassador and Governor Kim Myunggi Lay Wreaths and Observe a Moment of Silence

A memorial ceremony was held in Hoengseong to honor the noble sacrifice of Dutch soldiers who fought to defend the freedom of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War.

On May 1 at 2 p.m., Hoengseong County in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Myunggi) held the "Dutch Military Participation Memorial Ceremony" at Bohun Park in Hoengseong-eup and the Veterans Memorial Park in Ucheon-myeon.

At 2 p.m. on the 1st, scenes from the "Dutch Military Participation Memorial Ceremony" held at Bohun Park in Hoengseong-eup and the Veterans Memorial Park in Ucheon-myeon, Hoengseong County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Photo by Hoengseong County Office

This event, organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Korea, was attended by approximately 120 officials from both countries, including Ambassador Peter van der Vliet and Governor Kim Myunggi, and was conducted in a solemn atmosphere. Participants laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence at the memorials for Colonel Ouden and the Dutch soldiers, expressing their gratitude.

At 2 p.m. on the 1st, Hoengseong County Governor Kim Myunggi is laying a wreath at the "Dutch Military Participation Memorial Ceremony" held at the Veterans Park in Hoengseong-eup and the War Veterans Memorial Park in Ucheon-myeon. Photo by Hoengseong County Office

The Dutch Military Participation Memorial, located in Uhwang-ri, Ucheon-myeon, was erected in 1975 to honor the Dutch unit that sacrificed their lives in the fierce Battle of Hoengseong during the Korean War. In particular, Colonel Ouden, who led his troops with outstanding command in this battle, was ultimately killed in action and is still remembered today as a symbol of noble sacrifice for freedom and peace.

At 2 p.m. on the 1st, after the "Dutch Military Participation Commemoration Ceremony" held at Bohun Park in Hoengseong-eup and the Veterans Memorial Park in Ucheon-myeon, Hoengseong County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Kim Myunggi, Hoengseong County Governor (third from the left), Peter van der Fleet, Dutch Ambassador to Korea (to the right of Governor Kim), and other attendees are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Hoengseong County Office

Governor Kim Myunggi stated, "The courage and dedication of those who sacrificed for Korea's freedom and peace in a distant and unfamiliar land must be remembered forever." He added, "I hope this will be a time to reflect on their spirit and to remember the value of peace." He further pledged, "We will continue to honor and follow in their footsteps in the future."

Meanwhile, on April 30, soldiers from the 36th Infantry Division attended the burial ceremony for the late Private Johannes Holstman of the Dutch Van Heutsz Regiment, who fought in the Korean War. At that time, they collected soil from the Hoengseong battlefield and brought it to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan as a gesture of deep respect.

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