The Korean War Memorial Foundation announced that Hildegarde Naughton, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, visited the foundation on March 20 to pay tribute to Irish soldiers who died in the Korean War.
Baek Seung Joo, Chairman of the Korean War Memorial Foundation, welcomed Minister Naughton, stating that the foundation continues its efforts to honor the sacrifices of Irish soldiers who served in the Korean War and to help future generations understand the importance of national security and patriotism.
In response, Minister Naughton referred to Chairman Baek’s interview with Irish media at the War Memorial in 2023. She said she was deeply moved by the interview, which expressed gratitude for and highlighted the contributions of Irish veterans who fought in the Korean War. She added that sharing the histories of both nations fosters a strong sense of connection and pledged to work toward further strengthening bilateral relations.
Michelle Winthrop, the Irish Ambassador to South Korea who also attended the event, remarked that understanding a country begins with understanding its history. In that regard, she said, the War Memorial of Korea is a must-visit destination for foreign dignitaries.
She added that the memorial is a valuable place where future generations can remember the horrors of war and learn the importance of peace and freedom.
Following the meeting, Minister Naughton laid a wreath at the Irish Korean War memorial and toured the Plaza of Peace. Although Ireland did not officially participate in the Korean War, over 1,000 Irish immigrants and their descendants fought in the war as part of the British, American, and Australian armed forces.
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