Korean War Veterans Celebrate Their 20th Memorial Day and the PEFTOK Veterans Association’s 45th Anniversary

The PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc (PVAI) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) celebrated the 20th Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day and the 45th founding anniversary of the PVAI at the Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio on Monday, September 9, 2019.

As part of the celebration, a Wreathlaying Ceremony graced by PVAI President retired Maj. Maximo P. Young, Korean Marine Corps Veterans Association in the Philippines President Mr. Lee, Dong Woo, National Unification Advisory Committee Chairman Mr. Kim, Young Ki, United Korean Community Association President Mr. Byun. Jae Heung, PVAO Administrator retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr. Han, Dong-Man and the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker retired Brig. Gen. Manuel S. Gonzales.

War veterans as well as their families were present to witness the ceremony and take part in the celebration with the theme “Peace we seek for a strong Republic.”

Young, in his address, recalled the joy of the war veterans 20 years ago when the Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial day was declared in recognition of the sacrifices of the 7, 420 Filipino soldiers who fought along other foreign forces to win freedom and democracy during the Korean War.

“Let us learn the lesson of history, the lessons of the Korean war and its aftermath. It is only through taking the path of loving peace and sacrificing for it that freedom, prosperity and stronger society follows,” said Young.

During the event, the Korean ambassador led the distribution of scholarships awards from the Korean government to the dependents of the veterans. “It’s a very small token of our appreciation for the sacrifice, devotion, dedication and the wonderful job of the Korean War veterans in Korean War,” Han said.

The Philippine Army honors the sacrifices of the Korean War veterans in the past. Their story is constantly told and recalled as a source of inspiration for today’s forces and the Filipino people. (Philippines Army PR)