FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 7, 2015) -- During a ceremony presented in both the Korean and English language, the Fort Benning community celebrated the 65th anniversary of the creation of the Republic of Korea armed forces Oct. 2 in Derby Auditorium.
"Over 65 years ago Korean military forces, together with United Nations forces, crossed the 38th parallel into North Korea for the unification of two Koreas," said Lt. Col. Kim Kyung Chan, Korean Liaison officer to the Maneuver Center of Excellence. "If there were no sacrifices of the Korean War veterans, there would be no current or future Korea."
Kim said that the U.S. and Korea have collaborated for more than 65 years, in battles fought all over the world, and they remain powerful and strong allies. He emphasized the importance of that first major alliance during the Korean War, and the continued work against North Korean aggression.
"Sons and daughters of the United States of America answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they'd never met," Kim said. "Because of their sacrifice, democracy and freedom was able to set foot in Korea.
"I would like to thank all of the veterans and current service members from the bottom of my heart," he said.
Kim also stressed the importance of Fort Benning to the Republic of Korea military, saying that since 1960 many high ranking Korean army officials have trained at Fort Benning, and the programs continue to turn out critical leaders.
Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, commanding general of the MCoE, spoke about his time in Korea as a young officer and the experiences he had both training with the South Korean army and interactions with the people of Korea.
"We didn't just meet Soldiers, we met families because we traveled and trained all over Korea in urban environments," Miller said. "And what we met were people who would stop everything they were doing - even though I know we were a tremendous imposition on their daily lives - and bring us food, tea and coffee. They wanted to make sure that our Soldiers were taken care of."
Miller said that celebrating Korea day was an opportunity to learn more about the Korean people and their culture, and to remember the fallen heroes of a war that is often forgotten.
"We should always remember 65 years ago, when the outcome and decisions were uncertain," Miller said. "We went to South Korea, and we fought and died together.
Those sacrifices, those deeds by those heroic soldiers, are what keep the peninsula safe today."
As part of the ceremony, Korean children gave flowers to the Korean War veterans who were in attendance.
One of the veterans, retired Col. Ralph Puckett, who commanded the 8th Army Ranger Company during the Korean War, said he appreciated the chance to attend the ceremony and meet with the Korean students at the MCoE.
"I have great memories of my time there in 1950," Puckett said. "One thing that always impresses me about Koreans is what that country has done. I saw North and South Korea 1950 and they were destroyed; there was nothing here. I've been back three times to visit since and I've seen what they've done; they are an amazing group of people. I am proud to be a part of what they've done."
Kim thanked the veterans personally, reminding them, "Korea is forever grateful for the sacrifices you made to ensure our people have a future."
The ceremony ended with a performance of the Korean folk song "Mt. Guemgang, We Miss," a Tae-Kwon-Do demonstration and a traditional Korean dinner.
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