Honorable veterans of the Korean War and the Battle of the Imjin River, Minister Luff, General O''Donaghue, General Gillespie, General Keating, Ambassador Uden and other distinguished guests!

Today marks a meaningful occasion on which we commemorate the Battle of the Imjin River and pay tribute to the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in this battle that will be long remembered in the history of the Korean War. We pray for the souls of those veterans who gave their lives in order to protect freedom and democracy in Korea. We extend our profound respects to the veterans and their families, and would also like to express our great gratitude to them for having given service to the Korean people sixty years ago and even awarding scholarships to young Korean students today.

The Commonwealth nations sent 95,000 troops to the Korean War, among whom approximately 7,500 were killed or wounded in action. At the Battle of the Imjin River, the 29th Commonwealth Brigade comprised of the Gloster, Ulster, Fusilier, Irish Hussars and Belgian units fought valiantly against enemy forces. In particular, the Gloster Battalion fought to the very end against the overwhelming number of enemy forces. So many soldiers and commanders such as Lieutenant Curtis, who was killed while storming the enemy bunker and destroying the artillery gun, gave their lives to preserve the freedom of Korea and to bestow honor on the servicemen of the British Armed Forces. The Gloster Battalion was highly commended as the best paragon of bravery in modern warfare. The participation of the 29th Commonwealth Brigade in the Battle of Imjin River, which was marked by unparalleled spirit and noble sacrifice, played a decisive role in stopping the large-scale offensive of the enemy forces and defending Seoul.

The sacrifices of the heroes and other veterans have enabled the Republic of Korea to build a country full of freedom and prosperity in just two generations. Their death was truly an honorable and noble death. I believe that our current freedom and prosperity have made their sacrifice even more noble and that they too must be very proud of what they have helped us accomplish.

Korea is working to return the favor to the international community for the help that we received in the past through aid provision and the G20 development agenda. In addition, we hope to repay the sacrifice and dedication of the fallen heroes by bringing perpetual peace to the Korean peninsula and contributing to world peace. Korea will eternally remember the veterans.

Once again, I would like to offer my respects to the souls of the veterans who gave their lives on the Gloster Hill. Please accept my best wishes for the health and happiness of everyone present today. Thank you.