President Lee: Korean War Remains Repatriation Proof of Blood-Bound Alliance

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday attended a ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam to commemorate the mutual repatriation of Korean War remains between South Korea and the United States. The event marked a significant milestone in the enduring alliance between the two nations.

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Today's repatriation is a meaningful milestone that deepens and solidifies the ROK-U.S. alliance built upon the blood and sacrifice of the war veterans. The effort to find and return not only our nation's heroes but also allies' heroes to their families' embrace is the hottest proof of the ROK-U.S. alliance forged in blood.

President Lee described the repatriation as a "meaningful milestone that deepens and solidifies the ROK-U.S. alliance built upon the blood and sacrifice of the war veterans." He stated, "The effort to find and return not only our nation's heroes but also allies' heroes to their families' embrace is the hottest proof of the ROK-U.S. alliance forged in blood."

He further emphasized that "trust, which keeps promises made on the battlefield even after decades, is the strong root that has sustained the ROK-U.S. alliance." President Lee expressed confidence that "if the ROK and the U.S. move forward hand in hand toward the future without wavering, lasting peace will settle on this land, and the flower of mutual prosperity will fully bloom."

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Trust, which keeps promises made on the battlefield even after decades, is the strong root that has sustained the ROK-U.S. alliance.

The ceremony honored thirteen heroes whose remains were returned to their homelands. Ten South Korean soldiers, who had waited in Hawaii for decades, finally returned to the embrace of their homeland. Three U.S. soldiers, whose remains were found in the Korean mountains, were sent back to their country with the highest honors.

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Today marks the first mutual repatriation of Korean War remains in the Republic of Korea, a meaningful occasion where both nations honor the heroes who defended this land with their sweat and blood.

President Lee pledged that South Korea would continue its efforts to identify the remains of all fallen heroes until the last one is identified. He vowed to provide appropriate respect for sacrifices made for the community and to create a nation that remembers every single hero, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten. The president concluded by expressing deep respect and condolences to the heroes returning to the soil of their homeland, wishing them peaceful rest.

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The heroes who sacrificed their youth and precious lives to protect the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea over 70 years ago. Thanks to the noble sacrifices of these heroes, we were able to protect freedom and peace.