President Lee: Independence, defense, democracy are one history for a better nation

President Lee Jae-myung hosted a luncheon at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House on the 13th, inviting national merit recipients and their families to express gratitude for their sacrifices. During his address, President Lee highlighted the historical significance of the independence, national defense, and democracy movements, stating they are not separate but form a single, continuous history that has shaped contemporary South Korea.

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The history of independence, national defense, and democracy are not separate histories but a single history that has made today's Republic of Korea. Their aspirations were the same: to protect the Republic of Korea and create a better nation.

"The eras they defended were different, and the sacrifices and devotion they endured varied, but their shared aspiration was to protect the Republic of Korea and build a better nation," President Lee remarked. He emphasized that repaying the "noble dedication" of those who risked their lives for the country should transcend political divides of progressivism and conservatism. The President pledged that the nation would fulfill its responsibilities to honor and protect the legacies and lives of these individuals and their predecessors.

This year's event uniquely combined the traditional June luncheon for national merit recipients and veterans with the August event for independence activists and their descendants. Approximately 130 attendees were present, including representatives from national merit groups, descendants of overseas independence activists, families of fallen soldiers and firefighters, families of the West Sea defenders, and veterans. Former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik also attended as a descendant of an independence activist.

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Is there progressivism or conservatism when it comes to repaying the noble dedication of those who risked their lives for the country? We will fulfill the nation's responsibilities to ensure there is no shortage in protecting your honor and lives.

President Lee personally presented Taegeukgi (national flag) badges to representatives from each of the three historical movements, independence, national defense, and democracy. The back of each badge is engraved with the recipient's name, symbolizing the nation's respect and gratitude for their sacrifices and contributions to the country and community, according to the Presidential Office. During the event, attendees were invited to share their experiences and thoughts. Joo Seo-yeon, whose diary from the May 18th Democratic Uprising was inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, spoke about the struggle for recognition, stating, "For 15 years after the May 18th Democratic Uprising, we lived in silence, labeled as rioters instigated by North Korean spies. We must not hide behind our pain but reveal the truth so it is not distorted."

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For 15 years after the May 18th Democratic Uprising, we lived in silence, labeled as rioters instigated by North Korean spies. We must not hide behind our pain but reveal the truth so it is not distorted.