Alliance between US and ROK born out of war blossoms in peace

More than seven decades has passed since the end of the Korean War that resulted in the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, yet the surviving veterans of the War continue to embody the evidence of the deep alliance between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and United States. This significant chapter of ROK history came alive when members of the Jinhae Korean Veterans Association descended upon the Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) naval base on July 23, 2024, to commemorate this year’s 71st anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance. The small group of elderly but active veterans became even more animated when they arrived at CFAC, the only U.S. Navy base in mainland Asia that happens to be right next door to the ROK Naval Academy and the ROK’s largest navy base.

The sights, sounds, and sceneries awakened memories of a time long past but never forgotten. “Every one of the veterans here is the living proof of the invaluable Republic of Korea-United States alliance,” said Mr. Son Dam, chairman of Jinhae Branch of Korean War Veterans Association, in his translated remarks during the commemoration lunch at CFAC’s Turtle Cove Restaurant. The 89-year-old Mr. Son and his compatriots, all in their 80s and 90s, still carry vivid wartime memories.