[Unofficial Translation]

My fellow Koreans,

The 2.4 million decorated patriots and veterans and the families of the fallen,

Today marks the 67th Memorial Day.

Here at Seoul National Cemetery rest the fallen patriots who sacrificed their very lives to fight for Korea’s independence, to defend the free Republic of Korea against communist invasion and to safeguard the lives of the people.

I express my endless gratitude to those who made the noble sacrifice for the sake of the country. I pray for the repose of their souls.

My deepest sympathy goes to the families of the fallen who have endured the pain and sorrow of losing loved ones.

It is thanks to the courage and dedication of those who even gave their lives for their nation that the very freedom and peace we now enjoy were preserved.

The debt of gratitude we owe for the tremendous courage of those who gave their very lives for their homeland is one which can never be fully repaid.

I believe that nurturing a Republic of Korea we can be proud of, one in which freedom, democracy and human rights thrive all the more, is the way to honor their treasured devotion and make their illustrious bravery shine all the brighter.

The sacrifice of our heroes should never bring tears to the eyes of their bereaved loved ones.

If it was the mission of those people of courage to defend national security and safeguard the people, it is the duty of the state to take care of the families of the fallen heroes.

We will take good care of those people of national merit and the bereaved families.

Indeed, a solid system for honoring decorated patriots and veterans is a very foundation of a strong national defense.

We will nurture a fair and sound system for honoring patriots and veterans, making sure that no one feels unjustly treated in any way.

My fellow Koreans,

Even at this very time, North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats are escalating.

Just yesterday, it fired several types of ballistic missiles.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles are reaching a level that poses a threat to peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in Northeast Asia and indeed the world.

My administration will deal with any provocation from North Korea in a decisive and stern manner.

We will equip our country with more fundamental and practical security capabilities, deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

When it comes to protecting our people’s lives and property, we will ensure that no stone is left unturned.

We are surrounded by those who have sacrificed themselves on the frontlines of national security and public safety.

In January, Major Shim Jung Min of the 10th Fighter Wing of the Air Force passed away in the line of duty – determined to keep control of his fighter jet until the end to prevent it from crashing into a residential area.

Fire Captain Lee Hyeong Seok, Fire Sergeant Park Soo Dong and Senior Firefighter Jo Woo Chan – members of the Songtan Fire Station 119 Rescue Team – lost their lives while carrying out missions to save lives of others at the scene of a fire at a logistics center in Pyeongtaek.

Senior Inspector Jeong Doo Hwan, Assistant Inspector Hwang Hyun Jun and Assistant Inspector Cha Ju Il – members of the Korea Coast Guard Region-South Aviation Unit – perished in a crash while returning from a search for a missing ship in waters off Taiwan. They were all heroes who had a genuine aspiration to protect national security and keep our people safe.

On behalf of all Koreans, I extend my most sincere condolences from the heart to all of the bereaved families.

People of countries which have achieved freedom and prosperity have – with all their hearts – honored those who gave their all and devoted themselves for their country.

Let us foster a nation in which those in uniform are fully venerated and respected.

It is because they are there that our people are even able to pursue their dreams, pursue happiness, in safety and with peace of mind.

My fellow Koreans,

Now nurturing a Republic of Korea of even fuller freedom and peace as a legacy for our future generations is a mission entrusted to us.

A truly great Republic of Korea which embraces the values of freedom, democracy and human rights will make the sacrifice of those who devoted themselves for their country really mean something.

The courage of our heroes will be remembered forever in the name of the nation.

The Government and people of the Republic of Korea will always stand by the families of those who gave their lives, ensuring that they can indeed feel a sense of pride in their hearts at the precious dedication and service to the motherland.

Thank you.