76th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Speech

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Good morning,

distinguished veterans, honored guests,

community leaders, and dear friends.

​

My name is Kihwan Kim,

President of the Federation of Korean Associations

of the Southeast USA.

It is a great honor to be with you today

in Greenville, South Carolina,

as we remember the 76th Anniversary of

the Korean War.

 

Today, we gather to remember and honor

the brave men and women

who fought for freedom and peace

during a very difficult time

in Korean history.

 

Seventy-six years ago,

the Korean War brought great pain and loss.

 

Many people lost their lives,

families were separated,

and much of the country was destroyed. 
 

But because of the courage and sacrifice of

so many brave people,

Korea survived, rebuilt, and

became a strong nation.

 

Today, South Korea is a free,

strong, and successful country.

 

This would not have been possible

without the sacrifice of

Korean and United Nations soldiers,

including many American service members

who came to defend freedom.

 

We sincerely thank all Korean War veterans.

Your service and sacrifice

helped give hope and freedom

to millions of people.

 

We will always be grateful.

We also thank the first-generation Korean Americans

who never forgot their homeland and worked hard

to build strong Korean American communities

throughout the Southeast.

 

The Korean War is not only a part of history.

It teaches us the value of freedom,

the importance of peace,

and the need to stand together.
 

As we honor those who served,

let us also teach the next generation

to respect one another,

value freedom, and

work together for a better future.

 

Today, we honor all who served and

all who sacrificed.

 

We pray for lasting peace in Korea

and around the world.

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We will never forget their courage,

service, and sacrifice.

​

Thank you,

and God bless our veterans,

our communities,

and the United States of America.

​

Thank you!

 

June 25, 2026

 

Federation of Korean Associations, S.E., USA 
President Kihwan Kim