안작데이

SPEECH BY CONSUL GENERAL

AT THE DINNER FOR

THE VETERANS ASSOCIATION

PRIOR TO ANZAC DAY

Wednesday May 23rd 2008

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Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

 

It is my honour to be invited to have dinner with so many honourable guests and veterans who dedicated their youth to democracy and freedom.

 

My thanks go to Chairman Seh Jik Park of the Korean Veterans Association and Mr Steven T. H. Kim, the President of the Australian Branch of  the Korean Veterans Association.

 

ANZAC Day 2008 is approaching.  But today is very meaningful because

Gapyung battle began exactly today 57 years ago.

As you know, ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

 

With the coming of the Second World War, ANZAC Day became a day on which to commemorate the lives of Australians and New Zealanders lost in that war as well, and in subsequent years, the meaning of the day has been further broadened to include those killed in all the military operations in which the countries have been involved.

 

We are here to commemorate 339 young Australians who sacrificed their lives and 17,000 Australians, some of them are here today, who fought shoulder to shoulder with our countrymen and soldiers from 16 member states of the UN.

 

Once again, I thank all those soldiers, especially Australian veterans present here, who dedicated their youth to defend Korea from communist invasion.

 

The sacrifice was not in vain.

 

Korea has become the world’s 13^th largest economy with the 11^th largest trade volume.

 

Korea is also the world’s most successful democratic country.

 

We deserve to be proud of that fact - Australians can also be proud of that fact.

 

But we do not forget the help and assistance we have received from our friends.

 

 

I would now like to take this opportunity to mention the current relationship between Korea and Australia.

 

Korea’s new President Lee Myung-Bak has decided to promote a policy of ‘creative pragmatism’ with regards to Korea’s future diplomatic approach.

 

Under this policy, the Korean government is seeking a positive vision for the future, while emphasising a very practical approach to Korea’s engagement with the world community.

 

The new Australian Government is also emphasising its ‘three pillars’ approach to its diplomatic relationships - with the United Nations, the United States and the Asia–Pacific Region.

 

These two approaches are complementary, so Korea’s relationship with Australia will become even more important in the future, as we seek to further integrate into the global community and find the most positive solutions for any challenges we may face.

 

Now I would like to say a few words about the proposed Korean War Memorial project.

 

As most of you know, the Korean and New South Wales Governments are currently working together on a Korean War Memorial to be built in Moore Park.

 

The site is very opportune, because to the east of the site is the beginning of ANZAC Parade, celebrated by a significant sandstone gateway, and Moore Park Road.

 

The design has been finalised and the ground-breaking ceremony is expected to be held at the end of this year.

 

I would like to thank to the New South Wales Government for its generous support for the project, and especially the Premier who has been very positively involved.

 

I also wish to thank all of the Korean War Veterans who have worked hard to bring this Memorial project into reality.

 

I believe this Korean War Memorial will serve to accelerate the broader development of the relationship between Korea and Australia.

 

I also believe the construction of the Korean War Memorial will bring about the harmony and cooperation among all those veterans involved in the Korean community.

 

All the Veterans agreed to establish a temporary Korean War Memorial Association to raise funds and I strongly believe that the process of the construction of the War Memorial will provide the legacy of cooperation among all the concerned associations during and afterward.

 

In closing, once again, I wish to extend on behalf of my Government my deep appreciation and respect to all the Korean War Veterans and their families for their courage and sacrifice.

 

I wish them the best of health and happiness in the future.

 

Thank you.