한국어
Remembering the Sacrifice for Freedom alongside Korean War and Jewish War Veterans
On November 11th, Veterans Day, a meaningful memorial ceremony was held at the Korean War Memorial. The event was hosted by the Korean War Veterans Association and Jewish War Veterans Post 605, with approximately 50 attendees including members of the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City (KASGKC), gathering to reflect on the value of sacrifice.
The ceremony began at 10 a.m., and despite the cold weather, many participants came together to sing both the Korean and American national anthems, renewing the deep friendship between the two nations. Standing before the memorial engraved with "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE," attendees paid tribute to the noble dedication of all veterans who sacrificed for freedom and peace through prayer and moments of silence.
During the ceremony, KASGKC President Moon Kyung-hwan delivered a speech, stating, "I sincerely thank everyone who joined us here today. The courage and dedication of all veterans who gave their lives for freedom will never be forgotten. Without their sacrifice during the Korean War, the prosperity of South Korea today would not exist. We must not forget this debt and have a responsibility to pass their stories on to the next generation."
President Moon continued, "The friendship and cooperation between Korea and the United States today are built even stronger on the foundation of such sacrifice. Today's event, bringing together Jewish war veterans and Korean War veterans, reminds us once again of the historical significance of people from different backgrounds uniting with one heart to defend freedom and peace," emphasizing the importance of the ceremony.
Despite the chilly mid-November weather, the warm hearts of the attendees remained fervent. As the ceremony began with the Korean national anthem and the American national anthem echoing through the air, all participants stood solemnly. This was followed by wreath-laying and moments of silence honoring the veterans' achievements, and participants shared their experiences and post-war lives with one another.
A representative from the Korean War Veterans Association stated, "Events like this that remember the sacrifice of veterans provide great lessons to future generations, and continuous attention and gratitude are needed to ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain."
The ceremony concluded around 11 a.m., with attendees departing after reflecting on hope and friendship that transcended the tragedy of war. This event was a meaningful time for veterans, their families, and the local community to come together and remember history, and there is hope that such events will continue in the future.