Yangpyeong County and 11th Mobile Corps Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Jipyeongri Battle Victory

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Eom In-yong] Yangpyeong County and the Army's 11th Mobile Corps jointly held the '75th Anniversary Jipyeongri Battle Victory Commemoration Ceremony' on the 11th, paying tribute to the noble sacrifices of war veterans and UN forces personnel.

The event was attended by approximately 200 people including the commander of the 11th Mobile Corps, the deputy commander of operations of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, the French Ambassador to Korea and the defense attaché, officials from the United Nations Command, County Governor Jeon Jin-seon, the Yangpyeong County Council, the director of the Veterans Affairs Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Korean War participants and bereaved families, as they reflected on the historical significance of the Jipyeongri Battle.

The ceremony proceeded in the following order: battle progress report, commemorative address, wreath laying and incense offering, gun salute, and a moment of silence. The reading of a tribute by a student representative added meaning to the continuity of the spirit of the Jipyeongri Battle to future generations.

At the 'small concert' held as the final event of the first section, participants shared gratitude for those who safeguarded peace through music and expressed respect across generations.

The second part of the event, held at the UN France Battalion Veterans Memorial Park near Jipyeong Station, featured a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korea-France Veterans Memorial.

The French delegation led by the French Embassy in Korea, UN Command officers, and Korean-French student representatives honored the noble sacrifices of war veterans including the late Warrior Kim Bong-o, and reflected on the international friendship and solidarity forged through the Jipyeongri Battle.

Commander Kim Jong-yeon of the 11th Mobile Corps stated, "The Jipyeongri Battle was a battle that created a miracle through the power of alliance and belief in victory despite numerical disadvantage," and added, "We will do our best to ensure that the great meaning of this battle is remembered for a long time by our service members and future generations."

County Governor Jeon Jin-seon emphasized, "We deeply remember the sacrifices of war veterans and UN forces personnel who dedicated themselves to protecting freedom and peace," and continued, "Yangpyeong County will consistently promote veterans affairs policies so that the noble patriotic spirit of these individuals is respected in our daily lives."