By Lee Jon-young

A commemorative event honoring the unwavering heroes who participated in the Korean War 72 years ago across the Caribbean Sea was held in Incheon's Seo-gu.

On Sept. 8, within Gyeongmyeong Park, the Colombian Embassy in South Korea, in conjunction with the 17th Infantry Division of the Republic of Korea Army, and the Incheon Regional Veterans Affairs Office, organized a memorial event commemorating the 72nd anniversary of Colombian troops' participation in the Korean War at the Colombian War Memorial.

Colombia, the only Latin American country to participate in the war, deployed over 5,100 combat soldiers during the Korean War. With their motto of "never retreat," Colombian troops distinguished themselves in battles such as the Battle of Geumsungjigu and the Battle of Kimhwa 400 High Ground, with 213 soldiers killed or missing in action and 448 soldiers wounded.

To commemorate their sacrifice, the government previously erected a war memorial in 1975 at the Gajungdong Colombian Park, which was later relocated to the nearby Gyeongmyeong Park in Yeonhi-dong due to the construction of the Incheon Subway Line 2. Memorial events strengthening the friendship between the two nations continue to be held annually.

Notable attendees at the memorial event included Kang Beom-seok, the mayor of Incheon's Seo-gu, Alejandro Peláez Rodríguez, the Colombian Ambassador to South Korea, Jung Yong-seok, the Deputy Commander of the 17th Infantry Division, Park Yong-joo, the director of the Incheon Regional Veterans Affairs Office, and Kang Yong-hee, the head of the Incheon branch of the Korean War Veterans Association.

In particular, members of the Korean War Veterans Association wore the newly issued "Heroes' Uniforms" and participated in the memorial event, drawing attention.

Ambassador Alejandro Peláez Rodríguez stated, "I deeply appreciate the Republic of Korea, Incheon's Seo-gu, the 17th Infantry Division, and the Incheon Regional Veterans Affairs Office for jointly hosting this commemorative event, ensuring that we do not forget the Colombian troops who participated in the war 72 years ago. I hope that the close relationship between our two countries will continue."

Mayor Kang Beom-seok said, "Today, the Republic of Korea has advanced thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of the heroes who participated in the Korean War, including the Colombian troops. Through today's memorial event, I hope that the friendship between our two nations, bound by blood ties, will grow even stronger."