Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of rewarding patriotism during a Memorial Day ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery. This marked his first attendance at such a national event since assuming office. He declared that providing "special compensation" for those who sacrificed their lives for the nation is both a responsibility and duty of the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee highlighted the need for improving conditions for military personnel, firefighters, and police officers. He emphasized that rewarding patriotism is the minimum treatment for sacrifice and that special compensation should be provided for special sacrifices. Lee expressed his commitment to enhancing support for surviving spouses of war veterans and improving medical services for veterans. He also pledged to ensure fair compensation for military service, recognizing the dedication of national merit recipients and discharged veterans.
Lee urged for a reshaping of national values, acknowledging the historical sufferings of those who fought for independence compared to the prosperity of colonizers' collaborators. He stated the importance of becoming a nation where sacrifice for the community is rightfully rewarded and devotion is highly honored.
The President's speech did not address North Korea or diplomatic issues, but he committed to building a peaceful nation, free from war concerns, as a tribute to the sacrifices of the patriots. He called for a country where democracy and prosperity thrive on peace, filled with pride and dignity. The ceremony was attended by approximately 4,000 individuals, including bereaved families of service members recently lost in a Navy patrol aircraft crash.