I am steve lee, the president of the Korean War Veterans Memorial foundation. And we are very honored to have you join us here both in person and livecast. Today, we have gathered honor all korean war veterans and their families from 22 United Nations Member States who fought to defend the republic of korea. This year, ceremony is even more meaningful as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the korean armistice agreement on july 27, 1953. The korean armistice agreement was intended to bring a complete cessation of hostilities to the korean war. But because the peace treaty is not signed over, 28,500 americans stand ready today with the republic of korea and 16 other United Nations command sending states to defend south korea. At this time, we would like to recognize our veterans and families. Please direct your attention to the center of our seating area in the Veterans Center section of the korean war. Veterans and their families in gold star families. They are in the center for two main reasons. First, they are in the center so that we can properly recognize and honor them for being the center and the heart of this memorial and the ceremony. Second, they are at the center so that people can surround them as a show of deep love, respect and appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices. So, ladies and gentlemen, i invite you to please stand face to center and give them a very warm welcome in a unified self appreciation. Veterans and families. Please stand with the rest of the audience for the National Anthems of the republic of korea and the United States and the invocation given by chaplain Lieutenant Colonel william horton. U. S. Air force honor. Guard colored teams advance the colors of. Colors. And. Hold our. Retire the colors. When chaplain o o. 00000. If you would please join me in prayer. Almighty god, the author of liberty, the champion of freedom and the god who loves us with an everlasting love. We lift our thankful hearts and prayers to you for the korean war veterans whove proudly and sacrificially served and fought to protect our Korean Peninsula allies. We especially remember the many patriot who paid the ultimate price, those who gave their lives and full measure for their country with humble hearts. May we never forget their patriotism and valor as a nation. We can never be grateful enough for the uncommon bravery of those sons and daughters who fought to preserve our values of peace, prosperity and human rights. In commemorating the 77 80 anniversary of the korean armistice agreement signing, we remember the 40 plus nations in over 2. 5 Million People who died. Thank you, lord, for guiding our military members and the requisite diplomatic means to stop the disastrous loss of life and create a border and dmz that is formally separated. The free south korea from the north. I pray there are memories continue to fuel and flame the freedom and democracy that resonates within our hearts. May the history of that time drive us to never forget and yet to always seek your peace. God bless this korean war veterans Armistice Day ceremony. Bless and protect our Service Members who are deployed even today in all our military. And god bless america. I ask this in your precious and holy name. Amen. Everyone, please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our host, general john troy. U. S. Army retired. The chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial foundation, for his welcome remarks. Somebody has to turn the air conditioning on, i think, out here. Thats a park service job, i think. Jeff wright. Mr. Robert. Ambassador cho mizoram. Most most importantly, veterans and families on the left, also veterans and families, members of congress sending states representatives, special guests. I want to recognize two folks who are here who lived and worked to defend and deter in the republic of korea, former commanders of kfc, u. S. , f k, you and. General skip sharp. General curtis scaparrotti. Please stand. Give them a warm welcome. They continue today to support this Great Alliance of ours. Friends, all those here who have supported our renovation, along with the Korean People. This great memorial. Mr. Hogan, welcome. Were glad youre here. Thank you so much for coming. Former first lady of the great state of maryland. Today we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice signing. Steve said not a peace treaty, a truce. So in that context, peace and stability in the republic of korea are so very important. As we sit here today, the alliance is formed. Then this Great Alliance of mutual Defense Alliance between the rock in the u. S. Stand today is ironclad, as it did during the korean war. I say this and this is parochial, but this is one of the most beautiful memorials on the mall. Second, secondarily. There is no better place in america to commemorate this anniversary than right here where we are today. We can clearly understand the cost of war with the addition of the wall of remembrance. We have. The names of those who are killed in action. 36,634 americans. 7174 korean. Almontaser. The United States army. They were an american units fighting and dying in american units. They paid the ultimate, ultimate sacrifice. But at the same time, we have to visualize eyes. All the veterans, u. S. , korean sending state veterans who fought for freedom in a place that they never had been or for people they did not know. We know that as the republic of korea seeks peace. The north korea kim regime continues their provocation and they remain an existential threat to the republic of korea and the peace in the region. So as we think about the outcome of war and many in americans think of this war as a forgotten war, its not a forgotten war. It ought to be a remembered victory. Because when we think about the outcome in the republic of korea, we see a verdant country, a democratic country, a global economy, a technological giant. South koreans whose people and culture are wonderful. And those people who remember the sacrifices of all those who fought and those who died to preserve freedom and democracy. So today, as we commemorate the 70th anniversary, we hope and pray for continued peace and security for the people of the republic of korea and our fondest hope is for the peaceful reunification of the peninsula and only through strengthened deterrence and persevere will that occur. So i thank you for attending today. Im trying to make this short as i can because of the heat. But in my minds eye. Its important. Its important. We recognize as not only our veterans, those who died, but its important to remember how great an alliance we have. So with that, thank you very much. God bless america. God bless iraq. U. S. Alliance country captured our. Sir. Thank you very much. So, ladies and gentlemen, our next speaker is the superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks and is a great partner of the foundation. So please welcome mr. Jeffrey reinbold. Thank you. Thanks, steve. Good afternoon. Thank you all for being here. Behalf of the National Park service, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Its a privilege to be here today to mark the 7 70 anniversary of armistice and the end of fighting in a very special welcome to the ambassador to our distinguished guests, all our visitors who traveled near and far to be here today, and most of all, to the veterans, the korean war and your families would also like to extend a special welcome to all of our guests from the republic of korea. We are grateful for your participation. We honor our collective armed forces that fought in the korean war. I also want to thank the National Park Service Staff and especially our volunteers who interpret and maintain this memorial and help educate the more than 4 Million People who visit here each year. And, of course, a heartfelt appreciation to general talalay, to director steve lee and all the members of our great partner, the Korean War Veterans Memorial foundation. Your tireless work this memorial and the veterans it represents, is an inspiration to all of us. Today, we not only mark the anniversary of the armistice, but also a year since the dedication of the wall of remembrance. A project spearheaded by the foundation, the addition of the wall of remembrance has been in credit, an incredibly meaningful addition to the memorial. The sheer number of names seemingly never ending list is a stark reminder of the human cost of the korean war. The vast expanse of names engraved into the black granite provides a sense of the scale of loss help sa visitors understand the magnitude of the sacrifice and the impact of war. Now on this national day of remembrance, a korean war veterans families and families of the fallen have a focal point which remember their sacrifice of the comrades and their loved ones. But on the other 364 days of the year, the wall provides a place for families and friends in the public to pay their respects to remember the sacrifices and honor the memory of those who gave their last full measure of devotion. So on this Armistice Day, im proud to be here with those Korean War Veterans Memorial, a veterans who have joined us on the National Mall, where our nation remembers the heroism of those men and their comrades. The National Park service, along with our partners, the korean war, Veterans Memorial foundation, is proud to be the costume of this site that honors their service and sacrifice. Thank you for joining us. Okay. So, mr. Angel, thank you. We really appreciate your and your Staff Support for this ceremony. We we originally were scheduled to have u. S. Senator john ossoff attend, but he had something very urgent that took him away. It had to be pretty urgent because he really wanted to do this. We really appreciate his lead as cochair of the recently relaunched korea senate caucus. So we really appreciate that his staff is here as well. So lets give him a round of applause for all his work for the alliance and the american people. So, ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have the republic of korea ambassador to the United States with us today. He is a great supporter of the memorial foundation. Lets welcome ambassador cho hyundong chul, sir, with long applause for his welcome to thank you. Well, good afternoon. Congressman mike geller. Welcome to the event. Generous to lee schaaf and scarborough watching and superintendent jeffrey reinbold. And minister im the one from korea and also we have two members of the Korean National assembly. Mr. Kim jong help and mr. Young joo and representatives from the United Nations sending and participating states and distinguished guest. 70 years ago today, the guns fell silent and troops stopped marching, bringing a temporary end to the devastating three year war on the Korean Peninsula. Families were torn apart. Cities were reduced to rubble. Millions of lives, millions of innocent lost their lives. And countless more were displaced. But in the darkest of times, the Korean People were determined to build a Better Future of freedom and democracy. And over the last seven decade, we saw remarkable transformation through painstaking work and unwavering spirit. Korea rose from the ashes of war and became a role model. Democracy and economic powerhouse and cultural hub for the world. So as we gather here at this sacred memorial and look back on the past 70 years, we remember hundreds of thousands of Service Members who fought to preserve our liberty. We also remember the 22 countries that contributed to the United Nations command, led by the United States. As we look to the next 70 years, we vow to do everything in our power to ensure the future generation can live in a more prosperous and free world. Gentleman seven decades passed since the armistice. But north koreas ambition to unify north korea under communism remain unchanged and its nuclear and missile threat continue to grow, even as i speak. Pyongyang is raising tensions by launching missiles and using brazen language threatening the use of nuclear weapons. His. History has taught us that we must be Strong Enough to deter such aggression and defend ourselves when necessary. As president yoon sumner said, peace is never as certain and reliable as when is backed by force and deterrence. Reflecting this resolve. Last week we held inaugural meeting of the arc, the u. S. Nuclear consultative group, a tangible step in implement ing the historic washington declaration. The nct represent an upgrade in our alliance from the 1953 mutual defense treaty by significantly enhancing our combined deterrence and response posture against north Koreas Nuclear threat. Our message is loud and clear. North koreas intensifying nuclear and missile threat will only invite an overwhelming defense posture from the alliance. Yesterday, President Biden proclaimed. Today, july 27th, as National Korean war veterans Armistice Day, a day to reflect on the strength, sacrifice and the sense of duty of our veterans. And in korea today, president yun visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery and expressed our peoples most profound and eternal gratitude to the heroes from the 22 countries who came to help during the darkest hour at the un cemetery in pusan, lay 40 american soldiers who chose to remain in korea for eternity after fighting valiantly during the korean war. Engraved on the wall of remembrance behind me are the names of Fallen Heroes of korean war. More than 36,000 american soldiers and 7000 korean katyusha soldiers side by side. We must also remember the many who went missing in action during the war. We are working diligently so that they can be accounted for. Yesterday, the remains of seven korean soldiers who were killed during the war returned home to korea. One of them was identified as a u. S. Soldier who died at the age of 19 fighting in the battle of lake chang jin by answering the call of duty. These men and women ensured the survival of a young democracy. 70 years ago, which later become americas most reliable and closest ally. To truly honor their sacrifice and ensure they have not been for not, we must take it upon ourselves to prevent a Korean Peninsula from plunging into another war. This is why our continuous combined forces reinforce our defense posture by training every day and night, staying ready to fight tonight. Theres a gentleman in 1953. They are okay in north korea at the crossroad. While one embraced the freedom and democracy, the other chose communism and authoritarianism. Today, after 70 years, the whole world can bear witness to the result. Our thriving economy, dynamic and innovative culture and unwavering commitment to the rule of law demonstrate the wisdom of our choice. So as we commemorate 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement, as well as throughout us, mutual defense treaty, i renew my commitment to build and strengthen our alliance so that we may continue to promote the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights together. And i express my deepest and most profound gratitude to all korean war veterans and their families. It is their service and sacrifice which created our alliance to begin with. Thank you very much. Mr. Ambassador. Really appreciate the korean embassys hard work for the alliance. Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, our next speaker is the republic of korea, minister of Defense Acquisition Program administration. Minister arne duncan. We really appreciate the minister traveled all the way from korea to represent the korean government at the ceremony. The korean government invited all u. N. Standing states to korea for a week of commemorative events in remembrance of the korean armistice agreement. So we are very honored to link this ceremony with all the events going on in korea, sir. So, mr. Minister, thank you. Welcome. Korean will veterans and their families of veterans who are killed in action. Distinguished guests. Im john donvan, the minister of Defense Acquisition Program by the administration of the republic of korea. First and foremost, i id like to extend my gratitude to both of the chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial foundation, john, 34, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this honored occasion. Id also like to deliver my sincere appreciation to u. S. Senate from georgia. Jonathan also for gracing today event with your presence despite your busy schedule this year, is particularly important since it marks the 72 anniversary of the beginning of the korean war and the 70th anniversary all there on history. Armistice armistice agreement when the tragic war between the two koreas broke out along the border, the june 20, 1950 222 u. U in some Member States sent to their troops who answered the call to to depend on freedom of their country. They never knew the three year war claimed the many lives and the left, the even more wounded who have suffered long know until today and we remember to celebrate the sacrifice of the 22 of you in some member state as it was of being part of the noble contribution effort after signing the armistice agreement, the republic of korea had strived to build war torn country with a goal to repay the sacrifice of the events. Remember station resulting in, you know, remarkable economy across rising from the ashes of the korean war. The republic of korea has now emerged as a economic and a strategic partner. The u. S. From being a recipient country of the military, aid from u. S. This was a never pursuing, without integrity, support from the u. S. And some Member States in commemorating the 70th anniversary over armistice agreement. We will forever remember their noble contribution. I would like to extend to my heartfelt gratitude the organizing agencies for hosting this event as well as other distinguished guests here for your presence today, including my deepest appreciation and respect. Go to all the people who have made it their for the republic of korea. It becomes today. Thank you. So, ladies and gentlemen, mr. Ryan. Thank you very much, sir. So our final speaker for today is congressman michael gallagher. Chairman gallagher is the chair of the House Committee on the Chinese Communist party. So we all understand how important that position is. So were very honored to have you speak for us today. Thank you. Welcome. Well, i wasnt planning on speaking today. I was planning on coming here just as an interested observer. But in the absence of a senator, i guess a member of the house will do. Wouldnt be the last time the house is clean up for the senate. Here. I also want to confess that growing up and even in the marine corps, the korean war was was not a i didnt occupy a Central Place in my mind. No one in my family was a korean war veteran. When i went down to quantico to train as a young marine officer. Certainly the heroism at a chosen reservoir in the the heroism of certain titan vc marine corps figures like chesty puller, more understated, but nonetheless heroic figures like general opie smith was a constant refrain. But i think its fair to say that the forgotten war has been unforgiving, arguably forgotten in too many ways. And thats why ceremonies like this are so important. It wasnt actually until i myself went to south korea and saw what an incredible country it was and went up to the border and saw the unique situation there that i became very interested in. The korean war. And at that time i started to realize that the Chinese Communist party had become very interested in the korean war, which suggested to me that we forget the korean war at our own peril and as i think about the importance of today, there are at least three things that stand out in my mind. The first, particularly as i see the veterans, korean veterans, the American Veterans of the war in the audience, the first is just what a profound debt of gratitude this country owes to you. And you think of all the twists and turns of this war from the shock of the initial invasion to the intensity of holding out in the pusan perimeter, to the to the the creativity and the big gamble that was involved by macarthur in landing at inchon to pushing past the 38th parallel, being pushed back down the marines doing a fighting retreat down to the port of hong. All the twists and turns, two years of fighting as we over 500 meetings attempting to find a settlement. But for the marines, for the soldiers who are playing king of the hill, fighting very bloody battles, for those two years, it was an intense, intense action. The individual tales of bravery and heroism rank up there with any of the other battles that are more known, that that are more celebrated culturally and in cinema. And it is important that we honor the bravery of those who fought in korea. We would not here today. I wouldnt be able to do what i do in congress were it not for the willingness of americans to make sacrifice just like that. The second thing that stands out in my mind is just the miracle that is south korea an absolute miracle of a country, given how devastated did the country was in 1953, when the armistice was signed . I dont anybody in that moment would have predicted the success that south korea has had since economically, democratically. And if ever you wanted a testament to the enduring value and promise of freedom, of democracy c relative to totalitarianism, to communism, just look at the Korean Peninsula and there you have proof positive. So to our allies in south korea, i salute you. You are a shining beacon of freedom and democracy in the shadow of a growing threat of authoritarianism in the indopacific. I can finally i just would say as as im actually teaching a course on the korean war this week as luck would have it with my co teacher, aaron mclain, over there, were studying a book thats famous to a lot of soldiers and marines called this kind of war by tr. Fehrenbach. I see a lot of nodding heads in the audience. Its a great book, and in the final chapter, which is only three pages. So even the marines in the audience, you can read this thing tonight. He he reflects on the lessons of the korean war and the final sentence of the book is that the lesson of korea is that it happened. The lesson of korea is that it happened. I think thats important for all of us to reflect upon. We have a tendency, at least here in america, to think particularly after a period of warfare, that we can somehow bring the boys home, we can settle our disputes in in various international fora, and that bad guys dont exist. Do you use firebox phrase that there are no tigers in this world time and time again we are reminded at great cost that what allows us to live in peace and freedom is strength. Its our investment in a robust military deterrent and the korean war stands as a reminder of the enormous costs. When deterrence fails. So if we remember anything else on this day is that we should dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace and peace, in my opinion, is best achieved through strength. And strength is not just a matter of how many weapons have or how destructive those weapons are, but the fighting spirit, the esprit de corps of the young men and women that we ask to stand the walls of freedom and the fighting spirit and the esprit de corps of the allies that we ask to fight with us. And certainly, as the audience here demonstrates, we are stronger when we fight hand in hand with our allies. So while we pray, we are never forced to fight again. We must do Everything Possible to prepare for that outcome in order to prevent it from happening. Im reminded of what eisenhower said in his famous i shall go to korea speech. He said, if World War Two should have taught us anything, its this that to hesitate to vacillate, to appease, even by merely betraying, unsteady purpose is to feed a dictators appetite for conquest and to invite war itself. Lets learn that lesson. On today, of all days. And lets make sure that the forgotten war is not forgotten. Thank you very much. Thank you, chairman. Really appreciate that. So in a great show of the great bond and unity for the lines between the United States and the republic of korea, congressman gallagher, minister, home ambassador cole and general tillawi will step forward to present a wreath. So let me just give some quick administrative instructions. Ladies and gentlemen, over here, please bear with you when i say present wreath, the four presenters will step one. Step to the wreath, and then we will observe a moment of silence in appreciation, in honor of all fallen korean war veterans from 22 United Nations Member States at the start of taps, everyone can salute or place their hands over their hearts. Present wreath. Please stand and join us in a moment of silence. Ladies and gentlemen, render appropriate honors for the playing of taps. To your left. Please be seated. So, ladies and gentlemen, the marine band will play god bless america. Who doesnt know that song . Please sing along as a tribute to the korean war veterans and their families. Ladies and gentlemen, the marine band. Member and. His. Family. So, gentlemen, id like to thank the foundation staff, the National Park staff, our many volunteers, the raise, our management company, sokol fishery Events Marketing for putting this ceremony together. There was a lot of work, as you can imagine, but it was great teamwork. So lets give them a round of along, please. Okay, we made it. This concludes our ceremony. Thank you for attending. We welcome you to stay. And please visit the memorial. We have some flowers there, if you like to lay it at the wall of remembrance or any place else in the memorial. Thats god bless america. The sending states and the United States of america. Thank you very much. Well good evening and its great be back at the New York Historical society is very hard to beliehe
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