Good morning, fellow Koreans,

On March 4, a total of 5,309 young cadets were newly commissioned as proud officers of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces on the parade field of Gyeryong-dae, the combined headquarters of the Army, Navy and Air Force. It was the first time to hold a joint commissioning ceremony since the founding of the armed forces. It brought together graduating cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force military academies and the Armed Forces Nursing Academy as well as the Korea Army Academy and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

At the ceremony, Gen. Paik Sun-yup, a retired military veteran, said, “This is the most magnificent ceremony since the founding of the armed forces. I am deeply moved.” Participating diplomats from many countries also expressed their surprise, saying it was rare to find such a spectacular event of this magnitude anywhere in the world.

During preparations for the joint commissioning ceremony, some voiced concern about whether the event would undermine the traditions and uniqueness of each branch of the armed forces—the Army, Navy and Air Force. Such apprehension, however, proved unnecessary when the newly commissioned officers took pictures with each other, laughing and shaking hands, even though they belonged to different branches of the armed forces. 

On that day on the parade ground of Gyeryong-dae, the colors of their military uniforms might have been different but they were simply military officers of our homeland and people, united with a sense of their proud duty of safeguarding the Republic of Korea. On the way back home after the ceremony, the bright and spirited appearance of our young officers remained in my mind.

Thinking to myself that my speech at the commissioning ceremony did not suffice, I sent text messages to all the officers, saying “Congratulations once again and I hope you do your best in your duties while staying in good shape.” After a short while, my phone was inundated with text messages and calls in response. A mother of a commissioned officer made a call wondering if the President actually sent the message in person. Another officer verbally saluted me upon hearing my voice on the phone.

I was truly reassured by every single text message showing the firm resolve of our young officers. Nurse Second Lt. Lee Su-lim texted me saying, “I will do my utmost so that the men and women in uniform will be able to trust military hospitals, and I will try to become an elite nurse officer taking responsibility for the health of our troops.”

Second Lt. Cho Jae-young, who just graduated from the Korea Army Academy, made a pledge saying, “I will carry out my duties with sincerity and try my best to be an officer of integrity.” ROK Air Force Second Lt. Choi Sun-kyu revealed his strong determination stating, “I will help us become the strongest force in defending the Republic of Korea so that it can defeat enemies anywhere at any time.”

Navy Ensign Kim Dong-gyu made a solemn promise noting, “Pledging allegiance to the nation, I will do my best to defend our territorial waters.” ROTC Second Lt. Kim Dong-yeop expressed his ambitions, “As a newly commissioned officer of the G20 generation, I will play a pivotal role in building advanced, strong armed forces.” Army Second Lt. Park Jin also promised, “I will become an officer who remains loyal to the nation and loves our people.”

I feel reassured recognizing that our young Koreans, who will safeguard our homeland in the air, on the front lines, and on the sea, harbor such fervent affection for the nation.

Parents who sent their dear sons and daughters to respond to the call of the nation also replied with their own stories and messages. Once the wife of a serviceman, Mrs. Kang Mi-ryeong has now become the mother of a soldier. Her posting on the Cheong Wa Dae bulletin board was truly touching. Her husband, who had safeguarded the nation’s airspace, retired last winter, and her son has just been commissioned as ROK Air Force Second Lieutenant. Whenever her husband left home on flights, she was anxious about his safety. Fearing that she could experience similar anxieties yet again, she agonized much over whether her son should enter the Air Force Academy. She went on to say that while watching her son standing on the platform during the commissioning ceremony, she had mixed feelings of deep pride and great concern about her son’s future as a serviceman.

After the ceremony, however, she said she had high esteem for her son, for all the other commissioned officers and further for all the men and women in uniform of the Republic.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Mrs. Kang Mi-ryeong. As you mentioned, I will never ever forget the fact that our proud sons and daughters remain awake and fully alert all the time to safeguard our nation.

The reassuring attitude of all the young officers and the warm, caring words of their parents give us great hope for the future. Second Lt. Yim Tae-young sent me a message, “I will engage in defending the Republic with a sense of unity regardless of which branch of the armed forces I belong to.”

In a demonstration of the unity of ROK armed forces, the young G20-generation officers showed us their open-mindedness, flexibility and spirit although their military branch affiliations and job duties were different. The unity and sturdy spirits of soldiers are even more important as the country carries out national defense reform that emphasizes the inter-operability of our armed forces.

Officers, and men and women in uniform serving in the forefront, defending the nation,

You have persevered through an exceptionally cold winter and the most severe snow in many years. I want you to know that the nation sincerely appreciates you for fulfilling your assigned duties that do not allow the slightest gap at any time.

The ROK armed forces are taking a leap forward in defending world peace as well as safeguarding peace on the Korean Peninsula. Some 1,400 Korean troops are now making dedicated efforts to maintain peace in various troubled areas and provide disaster relief in 17 regions around the globe. Through the forging of FTAs and our leading role in the G20, we have become a nation that has the largest economic territory in the world. The armed forces of the current Global Korea are a proud and able protagonist of world peace.

Operation Aden Dawn in Somali waters as well as the evacuation of Korean residents from Libya by the navy ship, Choi Young, amply attests to the important roles and standing of the Korean armed forces. Second Lt. Maeng Ju-yong sent me an ambitious message that he would “contribute to world peace while engaging in the protection of the homeland.”

There is no doubt in my mind that all the newly commissioned officers and the young officer candidates now undergoing training will further enhance the honor and prestige of the ROK armed forces in the years to come.

Yesterday was Gyeongchip by the traditional calendar marking the end of hibernation, which is the beginning of the season when all things come to life. But the wind is still cold and more unseasonable cold spells are predicted as well. In this season of changing weather, take care of yourselves so as not to catch a cold.

Thank you very much.