YONGIN, South Korea - The U.S. Korea Friendship Society had a festival to thank American Korean War veterans, U.S. troops and their families at Sae Eden Church here June 17.
About 120 American and Korean veterans, their families and U.S. Army personnel attended the event.
Eighth Army Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. David J. Conboy, Senior Pastor of Sae Eden Church So Kang-suk, Former Vice Chairman of National Assembly of Korea and present Assembly man Lee Sang-deuk, Assembly man Lee Choon-sik, Governor of Gyoungki Province Kim Moon-soo and Mayor of Yong In Kim Hak-kyu also participated in the event to commemorate veterans and promote U.S.-Korea friendship.
Upon their arrival at the church, American veterans and Soldiers were welcomed by children clad in traditional Korean Hanboks waving American and Korean flags.
The hospitable reception was followed by a special banquet.
During the banquet, the special Korean dinner was served by the church and Korean traditional dancers and singers performed for the participants.
After the dinner, a ceremony was conducted in the church. At the beginning of the ceremony, Korean War veterans walked down the aisle behind the American and Korean flags and were welcomed by the orchestra, choir, trumpet fanfare and the clapping of the church members.
During the ceremony, the choir sang hymns and the pastors prayed for the veterans and the friendship between two nations. The Senior Pastor So Kang-suk talked about an enduring friendship forged on the battlefield.
During ceremony, Conboy and Assembly man Lee Choon-sik delivered presidential messages from each country.
“On this occasion, we honor those who rallied to her defense in the Korean War and we remember the extraordinary sacrifices made by members of America’s Armed Forces during that tumultuous time” said President Barack Obama. “Our nation also thanks all those who support our veterans and their families.”
“The great commitment and courageous sacrifice of the American veterans was at the foundation of ROK’s development and prosperity,” said Republic of Korea President Lee Myoung-bak. “I express my deep appreciation to all Korean War veterans and their families.”
Thank you messages were also given by other prominent leaders, including Reverend So Kang-suk, Assembly member Lee Sang-deuk, and Governor Kim Moon-soo.
Reverend So said, “I’m sure that this veteran’s invitation ceremony will be the stepping-stones of love and peace that will further strengthen the friendship between Korea and America.”
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