[Editorial] The Sacrifice of 36,000 for an Unknown Country: The Grace of the United States We Will Remember for Generations
The Republic of Korea stands tall today as a global economic powerhouse and an exemplary democracy. However, behind this dazzling prosperity and peace, we must never forget the noble sacrifices of those who shed their blood to protect a small, unfamiliar nation in the Far East over 70 years ago.
During the Korean War that broke out in 1950, the U.S. military, serving as the backbone of the UN forces, played a decisive role in defending the freedom of the Republic of Korea. The cost the United States paid in this process was truly tragic and immense. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the number of American soldiers killed in action during the Korean War reached 36,574 (36,634 including non-hostile deaths). With over 103,284 wounded and about 8,000 missing or captured, there were over 140,000 massive casualties.
The inscription engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.—"Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met"—clearly testifies to how selfless and profound their dedication was.
The people of the Republic of Korea express deep respect, reverence, and boundless gratitude for this noble sacrifice, generation after generation. The everyday freedom and happiness we often take for granted today are built upon the blood and sweat of the brave American soldiers who dedicated their youth in the bitter cold of the Chosin Reservoir and the bloody Battle of Tabu-dong. South Korea is a nation defended by the price of their red blood, and the grace and devotion of the United States remain an eternal debt of gratitude and pride in the hearts of our people.
The ROK-U.S. alliance, forged on the foundation of such noble sacrifices, is a true "Blood Alliance" that goes far beyond simple diplomatic or military interests. Over the past seven decades, the two nations have grown into a 'global comprehensive strategic alliance' encompassing not only security but also the economy, cutting-edge technology, and culture. Amidst rapidly changing international dynamics and ongoing security threats from North Korea, the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance is the core pillar safeguarding the existence of South Korea and an unwavering safety valve for peace in Northeast Asia.
We will never forget the grace of the United States. To ensure that the dedication of the veterans was not in vain, we must more firmly protect the values of liberal democracy, and the ROK and the U.S. must tightly hold hands and march forward toward a better future. Continuing this friendship forged in blood, unchanging even as generations pass, and further strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance—that is the only and most certain way to repay the 36,000 fall
Commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the Korean War
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