Nakdong River commemoration reenacts historic event

Photo By Sgt. Dong-weon Kim | Soldiers from the 2nd Operations Command and the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command participate in the reenactment of the Nakdong River battle.  

27, SOUTH KOREA

09.16.2013

Story by Pfc. Dong-weon Kim 

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

CHILGOK, South Korea – The National Defense and the 2nd Operations Command commemorated the 63rd anniversary of the victorious Nakdong River battle with support of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and the 8th Army’s assets, Sept. 13.

The Nakdong River is a historical battlefield where the last defense line battle of the Korean War was fought. This battle placed the allied forces at an advantage to drive the North Korean troops during the civil war. It was a major combat which overthrew the North Koreans with Gen. Douglas MacArthur's historical landing in Incheon.

Several meaningful events were included in this year's Nakdong River World Peace Culture Ceremony. The day started off with a luncheon with Brig. Gen. Stephen. E. Farmen, 19th ESC commanding general and the Korean War veterans.

During the luncheon, he shared complimentary remarks with the Korean War veterans, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their noble heroism. While shaking hands with Farmen, a war veteran proudly exclaimed "I used to be a Korean Augmentation to the United States Army [KATUSA] during the Korean War." Farmen replied, "thank you for your selfless service in defending the peace and freedom of South Korea."

“It is important for Korea just like the U.S. to bring connection with the youth so that they never forget the people who fought hard to preserve this country and what it is,” said Farmen. “Those living legends are the ones that kind of carried that message. I was really honored to shake their hands.”

Shortly after the luncheon, a tribute was payed to the fallen U.S. comrades who sacrificed their lives at Hill 303 in JAGO Mountain during the Korean War. Soldiers of the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division and 5th Regiment were bravely deterring the North Korean tanks from storming down the Pusan Perimeter at the JAGO Mountain. Unfortunately, they were captured and were ruthlessly shot and killed by the North Koreans.

Gen. Kim Yo-han, 2nd OC commanding general, Lt. Gen. Bernard. S. Champoux, 8th Army commanding general and the 19th ESC commanding general, took part in this memorial event to pay respect and recognize the fallen soldier's sublime spirit of sacrifice.

Speeches from Kim Kwan-yong, Kyungbuk province governor, Cho Jung-hwan, Republic Of Korea Army Chief of Staff and Champoux were followed by the Nakdong River reenactment ceremony.

"The ROK-US alliances still protects the time of the Korean War because it is rooted in mutual respect, shared sacrifice and common values,” said Champoux. “Today, we are recognizing the very service of those who won the battle of the Nakdong River. I am glad of both of our great nations, the people who defend them and the family that support them. Kamsahapnida, Katchigapshida [Thank you, we go together in Korean]."

The Nakdong river battle reenactment ceremony, commemorated by hundreds of Korean War veterans and their families, included the participation of numerous soldiers from the19th ESC and the 2OC. Soldiers helped set up the performance and underwent arduous rehearsals. The two commands coordinated and thoroughly prepared this event.

The demolition of the Waegwan railway bridge started off the performance with flight demonstration arousing amazements from the audiences. Throughout the ceremony, soldiers realistically reenacted the Nakdong River battle just like over half a century ago, where fierce combat took place. At the end, soldiers from South Korea, the U.S. and the United Nations waved their national flags high with triumph, celebrating the victory of the Nakdong River battle.

This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the Korean War and the 60th of the ROK-US alliance. We must embed that Freedom is not free in our hearts. May the noble souls sacrificed and which were dedicated to South Korea’s liberty during the Korean War rest in peace, light and comfort.

• Date Taken: 09.16.2013
• Date Posted: 11.05.2013 21:39
• Story ID: 116348
• Location: 27, KR