President Lee thanks Philippine Korean War veterans: "Thank you for your service, please visit Korea"

Manila, Philippines – Choi Jong-geun, Financial News.President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to the Philippines, visited the Korean War memorial in the capital city of Manila on the 4th (local time) and laid a wreath.
In the morning, President Lee, dressed in a black suit and tie, visited the Korean War veterans memorial located at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery of the Heroes) in Manila.
Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong stated in a written briefing that "President Lee began his day by laying a wreath at the Korean War veterans memorial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Manila." The Philippines was the first Asian country to send troops to the Korean War and dispatched the largest contingent, with 7,420 soldiers. Of these, 112 were killed and more than 300 were wounded or went missing.
Joining President Lee at the wreath-laying ceremony were Philippine veterans Benjamin G. Santos, 98, who served as a lieutenant in 1954; Rodrigo Erenio, 94, who served as a noncommissioned officer in 1953; and Prodensio Manuel, 88, who served as an enlisted soldier in 1954, along with their families.
President Lee said, "Today’s Republic of Korea is possible thanks to the noble sacrifice and dedication of Philippine veterans of the Korean War," conveying his deep gratitude and respect to the veterans and their families present.
Addressing Benjamin G. Santos, the oldest participant and a former lieutenant who fought in the Korean War, President Lee added, "I wish you good health. I hope you can visit Korea," extending a personal invitation.
According to Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong, President Lee also instructed his aides that when welcome events are held in Korea for Korean War veterans, not only the veterans but also their descendants should be invited. He repeatedly told the veterans’ descendants, "Please be sure to visit Korea," while expressing his gratitude several times.
When one of the veterans handed him a photograph, President Lee wrote on the back, "Thank you for your dedicated service," and signed it by hand.
Spokesperson Kang said, "Building on the Memorandum of Understanding on Veterans Affairs Cooperation (MOU) signed during this state visit, our government will continue to strengthen recognition and support for Philippine Korean War veterans, their bereaved families, and their descendants. We will also expand related exchange and cooperation programs between the two countries, actively pursuing veterans diplomacy that connects the hearts of our peoples and deepens our friendship."

cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter