An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | July 28, 2015

Wolf Pack Airmen Partake in Korean Armistice Ceremony

By Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Members of the 8th Fighter Wing took part in a Korean Armistice Agreement anniversary ceremony held at the Imsil National Ceremony in Jeonbuk, Korea, July 24.

Having been invited by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the 8th FW sent representatives from each of its groups, as well as the wing staff agencies, to make the trip to Imsil. While there, the Wolf Pack Airmen were given the opportunity to actively participate in the ceremony, a gesture symbolic of the armistice and the U.S.-South Korean alliance that has continued 62 years after its signing.

Signed July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice Agreement brought an end to the three-year conflict. Hostilities were ceased between the north and south, establishing a stalemate until a peaceful settlement could be reached. Today the cease-fire and Demilitarized Zone still remain, serving as a lasting reminder of the war, its aftermath and the lives lost.

"Those sworn to defend freedom and peace always treasure it most," said Col Seth Frank, 8th Fighter Wing Mission Support Group Commander. "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside our Korean neighbors in defense of both, knowing that we work toward maintaining these common and noble goals.  Our brotherhood and shared sacrifice allows us to fully appreciate how truly precious freedom and peace are for both our nations."

For the Wolf Pack Airmen, that acknowledgement took place in Imsil, roughly two hours south of Kunsan AB.

The ceremony began with the posting of the flags of the U.N. member nations involved in the Korean War, as well as the national anthems of both the Republic of Korea and the United States. After a moment of silence was observed, a wreath laying followed with Korean War veterans and Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing to place it.

Members of the MPVA then advanced to the stage to lay white chrysanthemum flowers, symbols of nobility and dignity in Korea, and add incense to be burned in an urn honoring the fallen. Five Airmen representing the four groups and wing staff agencies would follow suit, each placing a flower and adding incense, prior to bowing in unison.

Following the display was a poetry reading by middle school students of Gwangju City and live performances by the 35th Infantry Division, Imsil, ROK, and university student vocalists from Jeonju. The musical performances marked the end of the occasion.

"As a combined force, we have a long, rich history of defending the peninsula," Frank said. "It's vital that we remember the acts of bravery, courage and fortitude that came before us--from both ROKAF and U.S. forces."
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,185
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 27, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford Concludes Visit to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 27, 2024 - Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout...

DIU Partners With AUKUS Pillar II for International Prize Challenge
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 26, 2024 - The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is launching the first trilateral prize challenge through AUKUS Pillar II— a defense and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (U.S.)— to...

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Winternitz Concludes Trip to Japan for Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 26, 2024 - Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout...

Marines, Sailors Participate in Holi Festival and Community Events at Tiger TRIUMPH
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Maxwell Gallahan, center left, a platoon commander assigned to Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in musical chairs at a community relations event during Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH in Visakhapatnam, India, March 22, 2024. Tiger TRIUMPH is a U.S.-India tri-service amphibious exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief readiness and interoperability. Tiger TRIUMPH enables U.S. and Indian Armed Forces to improve interoperability and bilateral, joint, and service readiness in the Indian Ocean region and beyond to better achieve mutual regional security objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Robert Nanna)
March 26, 2024 - Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embraced India's culture during celebrations, athletic exchanges, and community relations engagements as they participate in Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024...