Holds simultaneous Wreath Laying Ceremonies in different Korean War Pylons
On April 22, 2022, the Korean Embassy and the PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc. (PVAI), in cooperation with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office PVAO), Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Military Academy (PMA), held simultaneous Wreath Laying Ceremonies in different Korean War Pylons (respectively Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and MariKorea Monument in Marikina City and PMA in Baguio City) to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Battle of Yuldong.
With the theme “Philippine Soldiers Volunteered to Defend Democracy and Preserved World Peace at the Battle of Yuldong of the Korean War,” the commemoration aimed to honor and pay tribute to the Filipino soldiers who fought bravely for the sovereignty and freedom of Korea.
Ambassador Kim Inchul served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the wreath laying at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. In his speech, Amb. Kim reminded everyone that the Filipinos in the Korean War are lasting symbols of self-sacrifice and courage. “The legacy of heroes like Col Dionisio Ojeda, Capt. Conrado Yap, Lieutenant Jose Artiaga, and all the valiant PEFTOK soldiers who bravely fought in Yuldong, will motivate us to persevere and never give up against any odds, to show love for our countries, and to lend a hand to those in need,” Amb. Kim said.
He also explained that the Battle of Yuldong serves as a cornerstone of Korean-Filipino solidarity. “The victory of Yuldong left us the flame of hope that has placed the Bayanihan spirit in the heart of the peoples of the Philippines and Korea. Truly, a deep bond was formed during that fateful era, a relationship between two nations that has expanded from diplomatic and military ties into all the areas of trade and commerce, development cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchange,” Amb. Kim shared.
At the end of his speech, Amb. Kim reiterated that the Korean government will continuously work side by side with the Philippine government. Korea is now the second bilateral development partner of the Philippines and has been constantly working together with financial assistance and new opening opportunities for the Filipino people.
The simultaneous Wreath Laying Ceremonies were attended by distinguished guests including Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina from PVAO, Military Officials, Marikina City Officials, various members of the Korean Associations in Manila and Baguio City and the PEFTOK Veterans and their descendants.
