UNMCK, Busan –
Distinguished guests, veterans, partners, and friends,
Today we gather to honor the nations and the brave men and women who answered the United Nations’ call seventy five years ago. The Sending States and Commonwealth forces did more than fight in a distant land; they stood for a principle that still guides us today — that aggression cannot be allowed to stand, and that free nations must stand together when it matters most.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, a milestone that invites both reflection and renewed commitment. Three quarters of a century later, the legacy of those who fought is not diminishing — it is alive in the prosperity of the Republic of Korea, in the unity of our nations, and in the continued vigilance of those who serve on this peninsula today.
That legacy is also carried along the 625 kilometer remembrance route, connecting the most significant memorial sites from Gapyeong to Busan. This route is a visible reminder of the responsibility we bear to ensure that the lessons of the past guide the decisions of the future.
We are grateful for those who keep this history alive. Mr. Guy Black, who came from Canada to walk the 625-kilometer route to honor Korean War veterans. A round of applause for Mr. Black.
The student ambassadors who represent the next generation of remembrance and carry these stories forward. And the United Nations Korean War Allies Association, whose tireless work ensures that every Sending State and every veteran is remembered with dignity.
Your efforts strengthen the bridge between past and present.
Together, we carry forward the legacy of those who fought in order that future generations might live in security.
To all who have served, all who remember, and all who continue this mission — thank you. Your dedication ensures that the sacrifices of the past continue to shape a more peaceful future.