By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean jointly hosted an event to honor U.S. Korean War veterans by inviting them to the company's facilities in South Gyeongsang Province on September 22.

Under the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs’ "Revisit Korea Program," the event took place from September 18-20. It included participants like Lois R. Gwyn (98), a former naval nurse who served on the USS HAVEN, and Robert M. Martinez (94), a U.S. Army sergeant who fought in defense of Korea. A total of 85 participants, including U.S. service members stationed in Korea and their families, joined the event.

The participants visited the Changwon plant to witness demonstrations of weapon systems such as the K9 Thunder and Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System, with some even experiencing a test ride on the K9. They also toured the shipbuilding facilities in Geoje. The elderly veterans were particularly moved as they compared the military equipment used during the Korean War to the advanced technologies of modern-day South Korea, now a leading defense industry nation.

Lois R. Gwyn, the oldest attendee at the event, remarked, "Riding the K9 was a fantastic experience. South Korea's remarkable progress is astonishing, and I look forward to Hanwha's future."

During this event, the Ministry also awarded the "Korea-U.S. Alliance Family Award" to families who have served in South Korea across generations. Among the five families honored were those of the late Raymond Virgil Daily, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War, and James E. Daily (60), who was stationed in South Korea with the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1986.

Kang Yoon-jin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, stated, "The prosperity that South Korea enjoys today was made possible by the sacrifices and dedication of veterans, U.S. service members in Korea, and their families. I sincerely hope this event further strengthens the Korea-U.S. alliance."