YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - The Eighth Army commander sent a message to the Korean people to mark the Lunar New Year.
Eighth Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux wished the Korean people a happy Lunar New Year in a message.
"One of our greatest strengths as an organization is the partnership we enjoy with our Korean allies; a partnership that was forged in blood and sacrifice and stands alone as the strongest alliance in the world today," said Champoux.
Known as Seollal in Korean, the Lunar New Year traces its roots back to Korea's Three Kingdom's period. It usually occurs on the second new moon following the winter solstice.
Celebrated on Jan. 31, this Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
During the long holiday weekend, millions of Korean will travel back to their ancestral homes to spend time with their families.
Champoux encouraged U.S. military personnel to reconnect with their families and spend time with their Korean allies.
"I wish our many Korean friends a very happy, healthy, and rewarding New Year," said Champoux, a native of Pittsfield, Mass. "American soldiers, civilians and families are honored to live in your beautiful country and we look forward to growing stronger together during this new year."