Veterans salute as the flags of UN participating nations in the Korean War enter during the 2026 UN Veterans Day ceremony held at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on July 27.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs hosted a ceremony commemorating UN Forces Participation Day on July 27 and arranged an appreciation dinner for Korean War veterans and their bereaved families from 22 participating nations visiting South Korea.

The ministry held the ceremony at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, to honor the contributions of UN veterans who dedicated themselves to defending the Republic of Korea during the Korean War, and to strengthen friendship and cooperation with participating nations.

The ceremony was held under the theme Everlasting Friendship, Great Beginning. Around 1,000 people attended, including UN veterans and their bereaved families visiting from 22 participating nations such as the U.S., France, the Philippines, and Colombia, as well as Korean War veterans, diplomatic envoys from participating nations in South Korea, descendants of Ethiopian UN veterans, students, and citizens.

At the ceremony, three individuals who contributed to honoring meritorious service and strengthening alliances, including UN veterans who performed distinguished service in the Korean War—Coulon Garcia (France), John Roderick Munro (Australia), and Sherry Steward (U.S.)—were awarded the Order of Military Merit (Hwarang), the Order of Civil Merit (Seokryu Medal), and the Civil Merit Medal, respectively.

Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Veterans Affairs, stated that today's Republic of Korea stands upon the spirit of sacrifice, dedication, peace, and solidarity demonstrated by 22 UN participating nations and approximately 1.98 million UN war heroes, adding that the government will make every effort so that the public and people around the world remember and inherit these noble values and spirit.

On the evening of that day, the ministry also held an appreciation dinner for veterans and bereaved families from the 22 participating nations at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Hyatt Seoul. Around 200 people attended, including Minister Kwon, 73 visiting veterans and bereaved families, the deputy commander of the United Nations Command, the Philippine Ambassador to South Korea, and defense attachés.

Minister Kwon awarded the Apostle of Peace Medal expressing gratitude to 13 veterans and read a welcoming address on behalf of President Lee Jae-myung.

Visiting veterans and bereaved families are scheduled to visit Panmunjom on July 28 and sequentially depart starting July 29 according to each country's itinerary.

                                                                                                               Lee Han-sol