Korean vets' chairman gets standing ovation at American Legion convention
Korean Veterans Association President Kim Jin-ho speaks during the 100th National Convention of the American Legion at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota on Tuesday. Photos courtesy of the Korean Veterans Association
By Ko Dong-hwan
Retired South Korean General Kim Jin-ho praised the soldiers who fought in the Korean War, as well as U.S. President Donald Trump for helping bring regional security to the divided Korean Peninsula, at a national convention for American veterans Tuesday.
The Chairman of the Korean Veterans Association spoke at the 100th National Convention of the American Legion at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota.
Kim spoke to some 6,000 members of the American Legion, its president Denise Rohan and invitees from five friendly nations. He asked for the legion's support to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, arousing seven standing ovations during his speech.
Full text of Kim's speech
National Commander Denise Rohan, members of the American Legion, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen! On behalf of the 10 million members of the Korean Veterans Association, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to each and every one of you on this occasion of the Centennial National Convention of the American Legion. Dear Legionaries! You are veterans who bravely fought in various wars including the world wars, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the recent global war on terrorism. Your relentless dedication and sacrifices have allowed more people throughout the world, including those in the Republic of Korea, to enjoy freedom, democracy and fundamental human rights. I vividly remember a scene from back in 1950. I was 10 at that time. I recall waving both the Korean and U.S. flags at U.S. tanks that came to regain Seoul from North Korean forces. In 1968, I fought alongside U.S. soldiers in the Vietnam War as an Army Captain. And until the end of my military service in 1999 as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I fought to establish and preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula with USFK soldiers.
The convention was joined by some 6,000 members of the American Legion.
Through my experiences, I can testify that without the collective effort of the ROK-U.S. alliance, today's proud history of the Republic of Korea would not have been possible. I speak on behalf of my people that we will never forget the tremendous sacrifices of the American Legion and American sons and daughters who, during the Korean War, answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met. As you may know, the Korean Peninsula is still the only divided nation that is confronting militarily in the Cold War system. In 2017, tensions rose sharply when North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test and launched ICBMs. In response, President Trump visited Korea and delivered his message. He said, “For the last 70 years, American and South Korean soldiers have fought together, sacrificed together, and triumphed together. Now, the only way to a better future for North Korea is to go toward complete and verifiable denuclearization.” His address to the National Assembly served both as a pledge to protect the security of South Korean people and a strong warning to the North Korean government. ?President Trump's strong response, which included military options and Korean President Moon Jae-in's mediation efforts all together successfully led to both the inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea summits as well as the return of the remains of U.S. fallen warriors in the Korean War, following your proud tradition of no American left behind. ?I am confident that, as President Trump stressed, "we will have a new future of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, when we continue our cooperative effort as we have done so far." ?The establishment of a permanent peace regime will require special attention and encouragement from the international community, especially the American Legion. Here, I ask for your full support. Once again, I would like to congratulate you on this Centennial National Convention, and may God bless you, your families and the United States of America. Thank you.