Remarks by Amb. Hyo-Sung Park, Consul General of Korea in New York
at the 65th Anniversary of the Signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement,
July 27, 2018, Korean War Memorial in Battery Park
President Thomas Byrne of Korea Society,
The Honorable Charles Rangel,
Admiral Robert Lunney,
Dr. Henry Kang of Global Society of Korea and America,
President Sal Scarlato of Korean War Veterans Association Department of New York,
President Kun Sil Pak of Korean War Veterans Association of Greater New York
President George Parsons of Korean War Veterans Association of Staten Island
Honored members of the Korean War Veterans Associations,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon!
65 years ago today the Korean War ended in an armistice. On this memorable day, on behalf of the Korean government and the Korean people, I would like to convey the message of profound gratitude for your heroic service during the Korean War.
You may well recall the Korean War like it was yesterday, as you still vividly remember the day when you were called upon to defend a country you never knew and people you never met.
With all the rapid vicissitudes of history over the past decades, the Korean War is often referred to as the “forgotten war.” However, we, Koreans, will never forget the sacrifices all of you have made. It is because of the unabashedly proud fact that you fought bravely to keep freedom and democracy alive on the Korean Peninsula.
In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to specially recognize and show our sincere respect and appreciation for two brilliant Korean War veterans who are here with us today.
During the Korean War, Congressman Rangel fought bravely in the Battle of Kunu-ri as a member of the 503rd Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division. He was awarded a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions in the face of death, and three battle stars. His Army Unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Unit Citation. Thank you so much!
Another gentleman is Rear Admiral Robert Lunney. On Christmas Day in 1950, together with Captain Leonard LaRue, he delivered all 14,000 refugees from a North Korean port in Hungnam to safety on a South Korean island some 500 miles away aboard a freighter designed to hold only 60 people. The United States Maritime Administration called their feat “the greatest rescue by a single ship in the annals of the sea.” Again, thank you very much.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Great stories that are associated with Korean War Veterans here with us today and those who have sacrificed their lives during the Korean War will continue to serve as a vivid reminder of the Korean War.
Yes, freedom isn’t free. Democracy is worth fighting for. Your shining and courageous deeds that were instrumental in securing freedom and democracy throughout the Korean War deserve our admiration and praise.
This is why we are gathered here today again to remember and honor all Korean War veterans and, especially, all of you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, the very freedom and democracy you have defended are thriving in Korea. Over the past decades, Korea has emerged from the ashes of war to become the world’s 11th largest economy.
In 1953 when the Korean War ended, Korea’s per capita income was a meager $67. Korea’s per capita GDP is expected to exceed $30,000 this year.
Korea is the only country that has transformed from an aid-recipient to an aid-giving country. Korea’s marvelous economic growth – often referred to as the Miracle on the Han River – can be attributed to the Korean people’s hard work and can-do spirit. Equally important is the rock solid alliance between Korea and the United States that has underpinned Korea’s development and prosperity, while serving as the linchpin of peace and stability in Asia and on the Korean peninsula, in particular.
We owe much of our success to you, Korean War veterans, and our American friends, which we very much appreciate.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
As President Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address about 155 years ago “We, here, highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain”.
As we know, more than 50,000 American soldiers made their sacred sacrifices during the Korean War. On the 65th Anniversary of the Signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, we are determined once again that these brave Americans shall not have died in vain. While being grateful for their heroic service, we are committed to continuing our best efforts to ensure that peace, prosperity, and democracy will be in full blossom on the Korean peninsula.
This is why our government has been working hard to keep alive the peace momentum which was created on the occasion of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games held in South Korea some five months ago.
As you know, the world has recently witnessed the three historic summits – the two inter-Korean summits between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in April and May this year, as well as the summit meeting between President Trump and Chairman Kim in Singapore on June 12. Thanks to these historic breakthroughs, the prospects of securing complete denuclearization and a permanent peace regime on the Korean peninsula have greatly improved.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Indeed, compared to last year when the crisis on the Korean peninsula reached unprecedented levels, it feels surreal.
As Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Likewise, we need to continue moving forward with a fresh and creative approach so that we can overcome seven decades of confrontation and distrust, thereby ushering in a new era on the Korean peninsula.
It is against such a background that President Moon Jae-in emphasized two weeks ago the importance of declaring a formal end to the Korean War as a milestone toward permanent peace on the Korean peninsula.
Our Foreign Minister Kang Kyung Hwa echoed this view two days ago at the Korean National Assembly. She said that if realized, it would be a political declaration aimed at facilitating the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Our government will work closely with the United States and other relevant parties to make it happen by the end of this year.
In this regard, I would like to convey a clear and unequivocal message to you regarding some 28,000 American forces stationed in Korea.
President Moon Jae-in has emphasized over and over again that the US forces in Korea is a matter of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, not something that can be discussed in denuclearization talks between North Korea and the United States.
There is no daylight between South Korea and the United States in the firm stance that the US Forces in Korea play an important role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
Dear Korean War Veterans,
Your noble sacrifices have made great contributions toward promoting freedom, democracy, peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. You have also played a meaningful role as a bridge between the United States and Korea.
We recognize and appreciate that your lives hold valuable enduring lessons for us today. We will always do our best to ensure that your sacrifices, your dedication, and your friendship will never be taken for granted or be in vain.
By the same token, we truly hope that you will continue to give your well wishes for Korea, as our two countries proceed with the ongoing process aimed at achieving a permanent peace structure and prosperity on the Korean peninsula.
Once again, I say to you loud and clear that the Korean War is not a forgotten war, neither a forgotten victory. The success of Korea is your legacy. The strength of our alliance is a proud evidence of your great victory, which will only get stronger.
As I conclude my remarks, I wish you and your family continued good health and the best of luck. Thank you. /END/
