Kim Dong-yeon: "The path of patriotism is not a lonely path, but a path taken together...Utmost efforts to honor veterans' families"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon emphasized that "with the mindset that the path of patriotism is not a lonely path but a path taken together, I respect and will make efforts to support veterans' families in taking that path."

Governor Kim held a luncheon meeting with 13 provincial-level veterans organization leaders on June 23 at Dotamso to express gratitude and respect on the occasion of June being "National Patriots and Veterans Month."

Governor Kim stated, "There are approximately 200,000 veterans' families in Gyeonggi Province. Correcting history and showing respect, esteem, and honor to veterans' families are extremely important, and Gyeonggi Province is striving to do its best in this regard. I have increased the veterans honor allowance from 2.6 million won to 6 million won since taking office, and we have also supported overseas battlefield pilgrimage for veterans organizations for the first time since the COVID pandemic. The National Yeoncheon Memorial Cemetery is scheduled for completion in 2027, which I believe will be helpful in enhancing the convenience and status of veterans' families, particularly those in Gyeonggi Province."

Governor Kim Dong-yeon stated, "The previous administration's policies went against correcting history properly, so Gyeonggi Province has made significant efforts for normalization. Last year, we announced plans for establishing a Gyeonggi Province Independence Memorial Hall, and we will be able to share very meaningful content and good news with residents on Liberation Day. I ask for your continued cooperation."

Kim Ho-dong, head of the Gwangbok회 Gyeonggi Province branch, said, "I am truly proud of Gyeonggi Province. Through provincial civil servants, we experience that Gyeonggi Province operates with historical consciousness, dedication to those who sacrificed for the nation, and that spirit. I have lived in many places, but I have never seen a local government that prepares each event with such care and genuine meaning. Particularly, as the master plan research for the Gyeonggi Province Independence Memorial Hall is beginning, I would like to express my gratitude and reiterate that many people are making great efforts in completing the Independence Memorial Hall."

Kim Hong-soo, head of the Korean War Veterans' Association branch, said, "Members are very pleased with the increase in veterans honor allowance and early payment in May, and their families are especially very pleased. We are very grateful."

At the venue, photographs displaying various activities to honor merits by veterans organizations were displayed, allowing participants to reflect on the meaning and value of veterans' activities.

The province plans to implement effective veterans policies based on the suggestions and opinions collected from veterans organization leaders at this meeting, further striving to elevate the honor of national veterans and support their stable livelihoods.

Attending the luncheon meeting were heads of 13 provincial veterans organizations including the Korean National Veterans Association, Association of War-Disabled Military Personnel and Police, War Dead Military Personnel and Police Bereaved Families Association, War Dead Military Personnel and Police Widows Association, Korean War Veterans' Association, Special Mission Meritorious Service Association, Vietnam War Veterans Association, April 19 Democratic Revolution Association, April 19 Revolutionary Meritorious Service Association, May 18 Democratic Uprising Injured Persons Association, and May 18 Democratic Uprising Meritorious Service Association.

Meanwhile, the province is implementing various veterans policies to honor those who made noble sacrifices for the nation. Notably, the province increased the honor allowance paid to Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from 260,000 won in 2022 to 400,000 won in 2023 and 600,000 won this year.