By Lee Chi-dong
WASHINGTON, June 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top envoy to the United States on Tuesday emphasized the importance of further developing the alliance between the two nations based on their achievements over the past six decades.
Delivering a speech at a formal ceremony to mark the 63rd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, Amb. Ahn Ho-young said what South Korea has done over the last 60 years economically and politically would have not been possible without the mutual security ties.
He attached special meaning to this year's event, noting 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the birth of the Seoul-Washington alliance with the armistice ending the three-year conflict.
"I think on the 60th anniversary, of course, we celebrate all the achievements we have made, but what is even more important is to look ahead to the coming 60 years and beyond of the relationship between Korea and the United States," he said at the wreath-laying event at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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| Korean War veterans attend a formal ceremony in Washington to mark the 63rd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. (Yonhap) |
Ahn thanked Korean War veterans for their sacrifice.
"Without your sacrifice 60 years ago, I wouldn't be here this morning," he said.
Former USFK commander Gen. Walter Sharp also emphasized that their sacrifice has born "a lot of fruit" that has differentiated the South from the North.
"I think everyone understands how the economics have moved forward but we all also must remember (South) Korea also stands on freedom, on human rights on dignity and that's such a difference, what is in South Korea and what is in North Korea," said Sharp, honorary chairman of the Pentagon's 60th Anniversary Korea War Commemoration Committee. "That would not have happened without sacrifices veterans did 60 years ago."
From 2008 until 2011, Sharp headed the 28,500-strong American troops stationed in South Korea. His father was a Korean War veteran.
In a separate message to the Asan Washington Forum 2013 on South Korea-U.S. ties, meanwhile, National Security Adviser Tom Donilon said their alliance is the "linchpin" of peace and security on the peninsula.
"The alliance is now positioned to address common challenges, build peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia, and address global challenges as we welcome the Republic of Korea's leadership and active engagement on the world stage," the outgoing top security aide to President Barack Obama said.
He affirmed Washington's commitment to the defense of the South against the North's military threats.
"No discussion of the alliance is complete without reinforcing the U.S. commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea," added Donilon, who will be succeeded by Susan Rice, ambassador to the United Nations.
According to the U.S. government, 36,574 American troops were killed and 103,284 others wounded in the war.
The Korean War ended in a ceasefire, not a formal peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically at war.
leechidong@gmail.com
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Source: http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2013/06/26/39/0301000000AEN20130626000300315F.HTML
Before I knew it today is 63rd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.
The two Koreas fought the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in a cease-fire, not a peace treaty, leaving the sides still technically at war and their border one of the world's most heavily fortified.
There are no plans for reunification between the North and South just yet.
As one of the Republic of Korea, I'm still hopeful that peace will someday be achieved in Korea. surely, many MANNAM Volunteer members are hopeful that peace comes true.
When we do for peace campaign, volunteer work etc. , the time will come soon when we shall live peacefully in the unified fatherland.
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