President Lee Jae-myung hosted more than 160 people, including national heroes and veterans' families, for a ceremony titled ‘National Service Month, President's Invitation’ on Sunday.

The event was organized to convey respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served the country by gathering national meritorious people and veterans' families in the highest honor, the presidential office said.

“This is a meaningful occasion where the modern history of challenge and response has come together in the name of patriotism,” President Lee said in his remarks to all, adding that he was deeply grateful to “you and your families who have willingly devoted their youth to the challenges of modern history so that our people can live in comfort.”

“I thank you on behalf of the nation,” he said, calling out each of the dignitaries in attendance.

“Unfortunately, our modern history has paid too little attention to those who have made sacrifices,” Lee said, adding, “We will take the necessary measures to pay special attention, reward, and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the betterment, safety, and life of the nation and its people.”

The participants of the ceremony entered the Blue House with the utmost ceremonial honors, as the Armed Forces' presidential guard of honor dressed in traditional costumes and a traditional band played. President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, personally greeted each of the attendees and showed them the utmost respect.

The ceremony was attended by officers and members of veterans' organizations composed of national meritors and bereaved families, as well as special invitees.

Among the special invitees, female veteran Lee Chun-ja, who fought in the Korean War as a shortstop, was married to veteran Park Chang-hoon, who served as a senior sergeant in the same unit during the war.

Actor Shin Hyun-joon was also present as a special invitee as the son of the late Colonel Shin Shin-gyun, a 6-25 veteran.

Relatives of those who died in the defense of the West Sea were also invited, as well as soldiers who participated in the war. Seo Young-seok, chairman of the bereaved families of the 2nd Yeonpyeong Naval Battle, Lee Sung-woo, chairman of the bereaved families of the 46th Cheonan, Kim Oh-bok, chairman of the Veterans' Review Board, who is the mother of the late Sergeant Seo Jung-woo, who died in the bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island, and Choi Won-il, head of the 326th National Veterans' Research Institute, who was the captain of the Cheonan at the time of the attack.

In addition, Rev. Lee Hae-hak, who led the democratization movement by participating in the April 19 Revolution, Mrs. Yoon Jeong-hee, the sister of the late Colonel Yoon Sang-won, the real-life protagonist of “March for Im,” and Mrs. Kim Gil-jah, the mother of Colonel Moon Jae-hak, the model of the novel "A Boy Comes.

Other guests included Air Force Captain Kim Chan-hwi, son of the late Sergeant Kim Hak-jae, who was martyred during the arrest of a robbery and rape suspect; Firefighter Lee Ho-geun, whose grandfather was an independence hero and father was a veteran of the Korean War; and Inspector Lee Eun-jung, who is the third generation of police officers, following her grandfather and father, who were killed in the Korean War.

The descendants of the national heroes also appeared at the event, adding to its meaning. Announcer Oh Jung-yeon, who served as the emcee, is the granddaughter of a 6-25 veteran, and Army Major Han Yoon-seo, who read a letter of gratitude to the veterans, is also the granddaughter of a 6-25 veteran.

The menu on the day included cold abalone with red crab meat, steamed short ribs with solsong, and tang pyeongchae with the meaning of unity, as well as food prepared with care to wish the attendees good health.

The attendees' tables were decorated with ‘light tree’ for a strong heart, ‘clematis crispa’ for love and devotion, ‘matricaria’ for strength in the face of adversity, and ‘pink roses’ for gratitude.

In addition, place cards and napkins with each attendee's name and a message of gratitude were placed to show appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication to the country.

The luncheon concluded with a thank-you performance by musical actor Choi Jae-rim and vocal soldiers, who performed iconic songs from the history of veterans' affairs, including “Independence Army Song” and "Goodnight, Comrade.

[News Source: Policy Briefing]