korean war beterans recognition lunsheon at rayburn house of office building
DESCRIPTION
June 22, 2011 Wed. 11:30am - 1:30pmTRANSCRIPT
JUNE. 22. 2011 WED. 11:30 AM - 1:30 PMSponsors by The Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area, The Sae Eden Presbyterian Church,
Co- Sponsor by Congressman Gerald ConnollyHonorary Chairman: Congressman Charles Rangel
Recognition Luncheon at Rayburn House of Office BuildingKOREAN WAR VETERANS
Never Forgotten War
Freedom IsNotFree
CONTENTS
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Master of Ceremonies: Eun Yang (NBC Channel 4)
Opening Major General Charles Gurganus, US Marine Corps Forces Korea
Presentation of Colors Air Force Honor Guard (Lead by Maj. John Pilong)
National Anthem – Korea and USA Military Brass Band (Lead by Sgt. Harry Watters)
Moment of Silence
Opening Remarks Steve Choi, Korean-American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Welcoming Remarks Reverend Kang-suk So
Message from the President Lee of ROK Read by Soon-Gu Yoon, Counsel General of the Republic of Korea
Message from Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Secretary Duckworth
Appreciation Remarks Deok-Su Han, Ambassador of Republic of Korea
Message from Korean War Veterans Congressman Charles Rangel
Appreciation Remarks Congressman Ed Royce
Appreciation Remarks Senator John Kerry
Appreciation Remarks Senator Richard Lugar
Appreciation Remarks Congressman Eni Faleomavaega
Appreciation Remarks Congressman Gerry Connolly
Appreciation Remarks Congresswoman Judy Chu
Appreciation Remarks Congressman Michael Capuano
Appreciation Remarks Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez
Ceremony Photo Session
Invocation for Luncheon Jong-dae Kim, Rtd Admiral
Lunch begins
Appreciation Video
Music Washington Korean Symphony Orchestra
Congratulatory Remarks Chul- hyee Lee, Rtd General (Former Commander, ROK)
Congratulatory Remarks Master Jhoon Rhee, Taekwondo Institute & Korean War Veteran
Congratulatory Remarks Dr. Young-woo Kang, National Council on Disability
Appreciation Speech Ha Eun Kim, Republic of Korea
Music Soprano Ji-Young Yu & Tenor Ju-Ok Park
Korean Traditional Dance Lisa Suh, Dance One Academy
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Dear Korean War Veterans and honored guests.
I deem it meaningful to hold this fellowship ceremony together with our veterans, in commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the Korean War and the 58th anniversary of the alliance between the two nations.
Republic of Korea has successfully achieved democratization and industrialization by overcoming war and division. Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world, which was unable to survive without foreign aids, but has now developed to become an economic power that supports other countries.
The great commitment and courageous sacrifice of the American veterans was at the foundation of ROK's development and prosperity. I express my deep appreciation to all Korean War Veterans and their families. Our nation will never forget your sacrifice.
The relationship of ROK and U.S. is based upon the firm foundation shared by both nations, and placing a value on freedom and democracy. Upon this foundation two nations have developed friendly cooperation in all areas such as national security, economy, and culture. Now we walk together towards a future-oriented and comprehensive partnership, contributing to the resolution of global issues, such as anti-terrorism, climatic change, and poverty.
I expect this appreciation ceremony to be a precious opportunity to commemorate the history of the beautiful friendship between the two nations and make the determination for a bright future. Once again I gratefully acknowledge your sacrifice. Also I would like thank Rev. So Kang Suk and all the church members hosting this meaningful ceremony. Thank you!
June 17, 2011
President of the Republic of Korea Myoung-bak Lee
GREETING
WELCOMING REMARKS
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On this 61st Anniversary of the start of the Korean War, we are here today to recognize the heroic sacrifice and contribution of the Korean War Veterans.
They were young and brave who answered the call of a nation and people they did not know. They gave their youth and lives so that 61 years later, the people they never met now enjoy the very freedom they fought to protect. You have served to give us the freedom all Koreans around the world cherish.
The Korean War is no longer a "forgotten war", your sacrifice and dedication has made the war most worthy of remembrance.
The Korean-American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area is most honored to welcome all of you and to dedicate this day to you. I hope today’s event is accepted as our small gesture of gratitude for all of your sacrifices. I read this poem by Roger W. Hancock from a speech given by a Veteran, and I would like to leave you today with the poem:
“Nothing is ever free, though to you it be. Somewhere, somehow, someone paid.”
Thank you and enjoy the Day.
June 21, 2011The Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan AreaPresident of KAAW Steve Choi
WELCOMING REMARKS
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This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Korean War. The history of the Korean War is a history of our nationʼs tears and deepest wounds. It is a history that heard the cries of women who lost their husbands, echo through the villages, streets, and mountainsides. It is a history that had to bare the pain of helplessly hearing children ache for the parents who were untimely taken from them. It is a history of a ruin land, a hopeless land. It is a history of the Republic of Korea, and at that time the mountains, rivers, and sky turned their faces from it and cried.
But a flower did begin to bloom in this land of brutal trials, troubles and tribulations. A spring of hope came. This blooming flower was the love of God and His hand of grace. He carried our nation through these hard times, and the flower of Godʼs love continues to bloom in our time sixty-one years later.
Today we experience the blossom of Godʼs love in peace, but never let us forget what was lost during these depressing times. To all the soldiers who gave their lives honoring this great country, and you veterans who sacrificed so much, how could we ever forget your blood, sweat and tears? And let us not forget those too who allied with us. How could we forget your sacrifice, your devotion, and your willingness to risk your lives for this strange and foreign land? Because you fought for our country, the Republic of Korea is able to enjoy today's blessings, grace and prosperity. Therefore, we say to you veterans, you are the real heroes of this age. We love you so much. And will always be unable to adequately express our gratitude.
My Dear veterans! Thank you so much for your love. I will never forget you. So SaeEden Presbyterian Church invites you veterans to Korea with deep gratitude for your sacrifice over your years here. We will do our best to make your journey in Korea unforgettable. I'm sure that this veteranʼs invitation ceremony will be the stepping-stones of love and peace that will further strengthen the friendship between Korea and America. Again, thank you veterans, my friends, for your love and the sacrifice of your blood and lives for our country. Welcome to Korea and may God bless you.
June 17, 2011SaeEden Presbyterian ChurchS. Pastor Kang-Suk So
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Dear Korean War Veterans and honored guests.
I
June 17 2011The Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan AreaPresident of KAAW Steve Choi
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Dr. Kyung Shin Lee, Violin
Judy Cho, Violin
Jie H. Kim, Viola
David Cho, Cello
Suzanne Kim, Harp
America the Beautiful
Samuel A. Ward
Amazing Grace
Early American Melody
Arirang Traditional Korean Folk Song arr. by Jie H. Kim
Commemorative Ceremony & Musical Entertainment
Nostaligic Kumgangsan Young Choi Ji-Young Yu(Sop)
The River of My Soul Du Cho Ju-Ok Park(Ten)
You Raise Me Up Rolf Lovia Ji-Young Yu(Sop)
O Sole Mio E. Di Capua Ju-Ok Park(Ten)
Duetto
Nella Fantasia Ennio Morricone Ji-Young Yu(Sop), Ju-Ok Park(Ten)
‘Libiamo Ne’lieti calicl’ from La Traviata Giuseppe Verdi Ji-Young Yu(Sop), Ju-Ok Park(Ten)
SAE EDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOLOIST
THE WASHINGTON KOREAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
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The Korean American Association of the Washington
Metropolitan Area (KAAW) is the oldest umbrella
association protecting the rights and representing the
interests of 250,000 Korean-Americans in the
Washington Metropolitan area.
The Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area
KAAW advocates the rights of the Korean-Americans
and promote the well-being and prosperity of the
Korean-American community.
We conduct activities to promote unity and fellowship,
community participation, provide educational and social
programs to the Korean-American community, and
share our culture to play a part in the diverse community
of our region.
7004-L Little River Tnpk, Annandale, VA 22003
W : 7 0 3 - 3 5 4 - 3 9 0 0 F : 7 0 3 - 3 5 4 - 3 9 0 1
[email protected] www.koreanassociation.org