Lee Jae-myung: Peace is Defense’s Greatest Asset

A Solemn Vow for Peace: Honoring West Sea Defenders and Charting a Course for a Harmonious Korean Peninsula

At the 11th West Sea Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony, held on the 27th, President Lee Jae Myung delivered a powerful address, declaring that “creating a peaceful Korean Peninsula is the historical mission left to us by the West Sea defense heroes.” His words resonated with a commitment to transform the region’s past, long marked by confrontation and tension, into a future defined by tranquility. The ceremony, a poignant tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, took place at the National Daejeon Cemetery.

President Lee emphasized that “a solid peace is the most valuable form of national defense and remembrance.” This sentiment underscored the profound significance of the day, which honors the 55 heroes who lost their lives in pivotal events such as the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the sinking of the Cheonan, and the Yeonpyeong Island artillery battle. These individuals, through their courage and sacrifice, laid the groundwork for the nation’s ongoing pursuit of security and stability.

Remembering the Fallen and Their Enduring Legacy

The President’s address was imbued with deep respect for the fallen. “I bow my head in deep respect and remembrance to the 55 West Sea defense heroes who did not hesitate to make noble sacrifices,” he stated, pledging, “We will remember them, record their legacy, and honor them appropriately.” This commitment signifies an enduring promise to keep their memory alive and to ensure their contributions are never forgotten.

President Lee underscored the hard-won nature of South Korea’s progress. He remarked, “In South Korea’s history of rising from the ruins of war, there has not been a single day of ‘free spring’ or a moment of ‘automatically given peace.’ The West Sea is the space that most clearly proves this fact.” This statement served as a stark reminder that the peace and prosperity the nation enjoys today were not easily attained but were forged through struggle and sacrifice.

Transforming a Border of Conflict into a Foundation for Prosperity

The core of President Lee’s message revolved around a clear mandate for the future. “Our responsibility is clear: to transform the sea they defended with their lives from a ‘border of conflict and discord’ into a ‘foundation for peace and prosperity,’” he declared. This vision represents a fundamental shift in perspective, viewing the West Sea not as a source of contention but as a vital artery for mutual growth and well-being.

He further articulated the profound importance of peace, stating, “Peace is food, peace is the people’s livelihood, and peace is the best security. Peace that does not require fighting is the most important.” This powerful declaration, made without direct reference to any specific neighboring nation, highlights a universal aspiration for a world where security is achieved through cooperation and understanding, rather than through the constant threat of conflict.

A Future of Shared Growth and Enduring Peace

The President reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the nation while actively pursuing a peaceful peninsula. “While steadfastly protecting our people and South Korea’s territory with strong national defense, creating a peaceful Korean Peninsula free from the fear of war is the historical mission left by the West Sea defense heroes,” he vowed. This dual approach, balancing robust defense with a proactive peace agenda, reflects a pragmatic and hopeful strategy for regional stability.

His concluding remarks offered a clear roadmap for the future: “We will end the West Sea’s past of confrontation and tension and dedicate ourselves to writing a new history of shared growth and prosperity.” This vision encapsulates the aspirations of a nation that has endured significant hardship and now looks towards a future where cooperation and mutual benefit pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity for all.

The emotional weight of the ceremony was palpable, particularly for the families of the fallen. The First Lady, Kim Hea Kyung, was visibly moved, repeatedly wiping her eyes with her white-gloved hands. She was seen holding the hand of the mother of the late Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo, who tragically lost his life during the Yeonpyeong Island artillery battle. The First Lady’s reddened eyes mirrored the profound grief and shared remembrance felt by all in attendance, a testament to the deep personal cost of defending the nation’s borders.