Yoon calls for 'peace through strength' during Incheon Landing anniversary

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 04:03

Politics

Yoon calls for 'peace through strength' during Incheon Landing anniversary

Posted : 2023-09-15 17:49

Updated : 2023-09-16 21:23

President Yoon Suk Yeol salutes as he inspects naval warships during a ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation at Incheon Port, Friday. Joint Press Corps

Domestic, foreign Korean War veterans attend event

By Nam Hyun-woo

President Yoon Suk Yeol stressed "peace through strength" and "overwhelming response capability" against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats during a ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation, also known as Operation Chromite, which single-handedly changed the course of the 1950-53 Korean War.

"North Korea is openly increasing its military threats, by advancing in its nuclear and missile capabilities and explicitly mentioning its strike on South Korea," Yoon said during his speech at the ceremony. "Also, anti-state forces, communists and their sympathizers are threatening our democracy with fabrication and manipulation."

He added, "Based on strong national defense capability, we will build peace through strengths and safeguard liberal democracy. With the ironclad South Korea-U.S. joint defense posture, we will enhance the security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan, and secure overwhelming response capability against the North's threats."

During his speech, Yoon did not mention the talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place Wednesday.

However, his attendance at the ceremony, which was the first for a serving South Korean president, is interpreted as an indirect message highlighting the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and solidarity between friendly nations.

Marine Corps amphibious vehicles take part in a 73rd anniversary commemoration ceremony for the Incheon Landing Operation in the sea off Incheon, Friday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

"The president's attendance was arranged as part of his intention to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the South Korean Armed Forces and United Nations forces who participated in the Korean War," an official at the presidential office said.

The event was participated by Korean War veterans, including veterans from the Marine Corps, the Army's 17th Division and the Korea Liaison Office. Foreign veterans also attended the ceremony, including Vincent Sordello, who participated in the landing operation with a U.S. Marine Corps artillery unit; Alfred Kim, who fought in the war while on board the USS Lenawee; and Ronald Foyle, who served on the Canadian destroyer Cayuga and carried out maritime patrol and refugee protection missions.

During the ceremony, Yoon boarded the ROKS Nojeokbong and watched the naval demonstration along with 1,300 serving soldiers and citizens on board the ROKS Dokdo.

"The Incheon Landing Operation is part of the proud history of liberal democracy repelling totalitarian communism and is a valuable asset that the free world should cherish," Yoon said.

"The government will remember this victory which was achieved by the sacrifices of the veterans, and inherit its assets to defeat any threats."

South Korean UH-60 helicopters deploy flares during a 73rd anniversary commemoration ceremony for the Incheon Landing Operation in the sea off Incheon, Friday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The Incheon Landing Operation took place from Sept. 15 to 16 under the leadership of Douglas MacArthur, then commander in chief of United Nations forces.

Approximately 75,000 U.N. military personnel from countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia took part. The landing came as a surprise offensive that broke the back of the North Korean military, which was pushing its frontline to the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula.

The ROKS Marado participates in a 73rd anniversary commemoration ceremony for the Incheon Landing Operation in the sea off Incheon, Friday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

namhw@koreatimes.co.kr