At 11 a.m. on Monday, people worldwide observed a minute of silence toward Busan, where the UN veterans who sacrificed their lives to defend South Korea’s freedom during the Korean War are buried.
The South Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs hosted the 18th UN Veterans International Memorial Day Ceremony at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan.
UN Veterans International Memorial Day began in 2007 with a proposal by Canadian veteran Vincent Courtenay, encouraging UN member countries to observe a minute of silence toward Busan, known as “Turn Toward Busan.” In March 2020, the South Korean government designated November 11 a legal memorial day under the Act on the Enhancement of the Honor of UN Veterans.
Over 800 people attended the ceremony, including UN veterans from 20 countries and their families, South Korean veterans, diplomatic officials, UN Command personnel, and students.
The ceremony began with 48 Busan Foreign Language High School students and South Korean military personnel raising the flags of South Korea, the United Nations, and 22 participating countries in pairs. This was followed by a pledge of allegiance to the flag read by Marine Corps Lieutenant Jin Da Ye, whose grandfather was a Korean War veteran, the national anthem sung by a vocalist from the Ministry of National Defense, and a moment of silence at precisely 11 a.m. for the fallen UN soldiers. A 21-gun salute was performed as a tribute to the UN veterans.
During the wreath-laying, a wreath adorned with the Taegeuk, symbolizing South Korea, and various flowers representing the 22 participating countries were laid.
Minister of Veterans Affairs Kang Jeong Ae emphasized, “Our government and people will never forget that the seeds of freedom sown by the UN veterans over 70 years ago have grown into the peace and prosperity we enjoy today. We will especially strive to honor and repay these veterans, strengthen solidarity with participating countries, and pass on the legacy of the UN’s defense of South Korea to future generations.”
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