Turkey, S. Korea are blood brothers
2010-06-22 17:01

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, I duly recognize and honor the gallant soldiers who fought to secure freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula.

The Korean War brought together the efforts of 16 nations in solidarity with the Korean people in the face of a major challenge to their freedom and democracy in 1950. These dedicated men and women, under the banner of the U.N., fought to secure the blessing of freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula.

Turkey, acting in solidarity with the international community, decided without hesitation to send troops in support of the friendly Korean people to defend their independence and freedom. We knew what it would mean to be under occupation. Only three decades before the Korean War, we had fought our own war of independence.

Turkey dispatched around 15,000 soldiers to join the U.N. Command in Korea. The casualties accounted for over one thousand soldiers. Many lost their lives; many others were injured, taken as prisoners of war, and missing in action. Their bravery and selfless sacrifices will not be forgotten.

Fifty-seven years after the signing of the Military Armistice Agreement at Panmunjeom that ended the three years of bitter warfare, we remain grateful for the courage and gallantry of our soldiers who fought dur