U.S. Deputy Secretary of State becomes emotional honoring Korean War veterans, crediting their sacrifice for his marriage
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael DeSombre honored Korean War veterans at a 73rd anniversary event in Washington, D.C.
- DeSombre, whose wife is of Korean descent, became emotional while speaking about the shared sacrifice that allowed him to meet her.
- He emphasized that the Korean War forged a lasting alliance between the U.S. and South Korea, transforming a war-torn nation into a vibrant democracy and economy.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael DeSombre became emotional as he honored Korean War veterans at a 73rd anniversary commemoration in Washington, D.C. He spoke of the shared sacrifices that preserved freedom and led to the enduring alliance between the United States and South Korea.
Without the common sacrifice that defended a free Republic of Korea, I would never have met my wife.
"Without the common sacrifice that defended a free Republic of Korea, I would never have met my wife," DeSombre said, his voice catching as he mentioned his wife's family hails from Incheon. He noted that July 27, 1953, marked not just the end of hostilities but the birth of a lasting alliance forged through shared sacrifice.
DeSombre highlighted how the U.S. and South Korea fought together against communism, safeguarding freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula. This, he stated, transformed a nation devastated by war into one of the world's most dynamic democracies and vibrant economies. He also acknowledged the 22 nations that provided combat or medical support during the war, emphasizing their courage as the foundation of today's world and the security enjoyed as their living legacy.
July 27, 1953, marked not just the end of hostilities but the birth of a lasting alliance forged through shared sacrifice.
"The noble sacrifices of Korean and American soldiers remind us that freedom is not free," DeSombre asserted. He concluded by stressing the responsibility to remain prepared for future conflicts, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with allies to maintain the peace, security, and prosperity defended by soldiers worldwide at immense cost.
The noble sacrifices of Korean and American soldiers remind us that freedom is not free.
John Tilley, chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, called the Korean War the "Forgotten War." He stated that the modern global economy, liberal democracy, and a free and beautiful South Korea would not exist without the sacrifices of those who fought and died there.
The Korean War is often mistakenly called the 'Forgotten War.'
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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