2026 Korean War Armistice Day Commemoration
Wreath Laying Ceremony

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Good morning,

Distinguished veterans,
Mr. Sunny Park, Consul General,

honored guests, community leaders, and
ladies and gentlemen.
 

My name is Kihwan Kim,
President of the Federation of Korean Associations of the Southeast USA.

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It is a great honor to stand with you today

as we gather to commemorate

the 73rd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

 

Today is a day of remembrance.

We remember the brave men and women

who fought for freedom during the Korean War.

 

We remember those who made

the ultimate sacrifice.

 

And we remember the families

who carried the pain of war for many years.

 

Although the Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953,

it was not the end of the Korean War.

 

It was only the beginning of a long journey toward peace.

Even today, the Korean Peninsula remains divided.

That is why we continue to pray for

lasting peace and reunification.

 

As Koreans and Korean Americans,

we will never forget what the United States and the United Nations forces did

for the people of Korea.

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More than 36,000 American service members gave their lives.

Many more were wounded or

never returned home.

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Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication

gave the Korean people hope.

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Because of them,

South Korea rose from the ashes of war

to become a strong democracy and

one of the world’s leading economies.

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The freedom that millions of Koreans enjoy today was made possible

because of their sacrifice.

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To all Korean War veterans

who are here today,

On behalf of the Korean people and

Korean Americans,

thank you.

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Your courage changed history.

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, as we lay this wreath,
we do more than honor those who served.

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We renew our promise to remember them,

to preserve the values of freedom and democracy, and

to pass their legacy on to future generations.

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May the friendship between the United States and

the Republic of Korea continue to grow stronger.

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May we always stand together

in defense of freedom, peace, and human dignity.

 

And may the sacrifices of our heroes never be forgotten.

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Thank you.

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May God bless our veterans.

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And may God bless the United States of America.

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Kihwan Kim
President of Federation of Korean Association SE USA

July 24, 2026