"They Have Not Forgotten Us"... Appreciation Event for South African Korean War Veterans

The United Nations Peace Village, a non-profit organization, concluded its appreciation event for Korean War veterans in Cape Town, South Africa, with deep emotion and gratitude.

This event was held to express appreciation to South African veterans and their families who dedicated themselves to the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War.

A volunteer team from the United Nations Peace Village Foundation is taking a commemorative photo together with the families of South African war veterans.

The event took place on May 7, 2026 (local time) at Air Force Base Ysterplaat in South Africa, and was attended by officials from the South African Korean War Veterans Association, veterans themselves, their families, and representatives from the United Nations Peace Village.

The proceedings began with the national ceremony, followed by a welcome video message from Dirk Louw, President of the South African Korean War Veterans Association, an introduction of veterans and guests by Leonora Van Niekerk, and a prayer of gratitude by missionary Yang Dae-soon.

Jinsoo Jung, Chairman of the United Nations Peace Village, then delivered a message of thanks, with Okran Lee, Director of the United Nations Peace Village, presenting medals and commemorative gifts.

Afterwards, Leonora Van Niekerk gave a return address, and the event concluded with a group performance of "Arirang" by members of the United Nations Peace Village and a commemorative photo session.

Especially moving during the event were the heartfelt remarks made by the families of the veterans, which touched the hearts of all attendees.

Anne Fairbanks, who attended on behalf of the Fairbanks family, said, "I have participated in several veteran appreciation events, but never have I felt prouder of my father than today. I hope the Republic of Korea will continue to progress and become a source of pride for us."

Dirk Louw, retired colonel and President of the South African Korean War Veterans Association, also expressed his deep emotions after the event. He said, "Several participants called me directly to express their gratitude, saying it was a truly meaningful and happy occasion. This was not just a commemorative event, but a gathering filled with sincerity and respect."

Leonora Van Niekerk, who served as the event coordinator, remarked, "You traveled all the way from Korea to be here, and this beautiful gathering achieved much more than our team ever expected."

Chairman Jeong Insu of the UN Peace Village is expressing gratitude to the families of South African war veterans.

Chairman Jinsoo Jung said in his message of thanks, "As the son of a Korean War veteran myself, meeting the families of veterans today made me feel a sense of kinship, as if we were family. Thanks to your noble sacrifice, the Republic of Korea was able to rise again, and the light shining from today's advanced Korea owes much to your dedication."

He continued, "Korea will never forget the sacrifice and dedication of the veterans. I will pray for the health of the veterans and their families, for the development of South Africa, and for the strengthening of the friendship between our two countries," receiving a big round of applause from attendees.

At the medal presentation ceremony, Okran Lee, Director of the United Nations Peace Village, said, "Your sacrifice, which protected freedom and peace beyond the wounds of war, lives on in the hearts of all Koreans. We will do our best to ensure that the noble devotion of the veterans is remembered by future generations."

The oldest surviving veteran, Charles Lindsay, also attended the event with his wife, adding to the emotional atmosphere.

He recalled, "The days I fought in Korea in 1953 are still vivid in my memory. At the time, it was so difficult and painful, but now it remains a beautiful memory."

Meanwhile, South Africa participated in the Korean War as a member of the United Nations forces, with the Air Force's 2nd Fighter Squadron, known as the 'Flying Cheetahs,' playing a central role.

The South African Air Force operated P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre fighter aircraft, carrying out more than 12,000 sorties. A total of 826 individuals, including 243 officers, dedicated themselves to the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea.

The United Nations Peace Village stated, "Today's Korea was built on the sacrifices of veterans who risked their lives for a distant country whose name they did not even know. We will continue our civilian diplomatic activities to remember and thank the participating nations and veterans in the future."

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