President Lee: 'We will provide due respect for sacrifices made for the community'

President Lee Jae-myung attended a joint South Korea-U.S. ceremony on June 5 to repatriate the remains of soldiers fallen during the Korean War, pledging to ensure fitting honors for their sacrifices.

“

We will do our utmost to provide due respect and honor for those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves for the community.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Seongnam Seoul Air Base, President Lee described the event as a deeply meaningful occasion, marking the first mutual repatriation of remains between the two allied nations since the conflict. "Today, thirteen heroes return to their homeland," he stated, referring to ten South Korean soldiers whose remains were found in Hawaii and three U.S. soldiers whose remains were discovered in South Korea.

"We will forever remember these individuals by the most honorable name: 'Heroes of the Republic of Korea'," President Lee declared. He vowed to continue genetic identification and tracking efforts until the remains of every soldier who defended the nation are identified and returned to their families. He emphasized that the repatriation is a testament to the enduring strength of the ROK-U.S. alliance, built on the blood and sacrifice of war veterans.

“

Today, thirteen heroes return to their homeland.

The President highlighted that the commitment to finding and returning fallen soldiers, even decades later, demonstrates the profound trust that underpins the alliance. "The trust that keeps promises made on the battlefield, even after decades have passed, is the solid root that has sustained the ROK-U.S. alliance," he said.

“

We will forever remember these individuals by the most honorable name: 'Heroes of the Republic of Korea'.

President Lee expressed his conviction that by working together towards the future, South Korea and the U.S. will establish lasting peace on the peninsula and foster mutual prosperity. The ceremony underscored the deep bond between the two nations, forged in the crucible of war and strengthened by a shared commitment to honoring their fallen heroes.

“

The trust that keeps promises made on the battlefield, even after decades have passed, is the solid root that has sustained the ROK-U.S. alliance.