By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

A memorial ceremony was held on April 22 in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, for Lieutenant Mehmet Günentz and his comrades who were martyred in the Battle of Jangseungcheon during the Korean War.

The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Murat Tamer of Turkiye to the Republic of Korea, General Yoon Ki-jung, Chief of the 5th Army Division, and Abdullah Sağır, Defense Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Korea.

"Today we are gathered here to commemorate the epic work of our heroic martyr, Lieutenant Mehmet Günentz, during the most difficult period of the Korean War," said Ambassador Tamer.

"First, I would like to emphasize that a nation that protects and honors its history and past is always strong and immortal. The Republic of Korea is an honorable nation that protects its history and never forgets its allies and will proudly exist for thousands of years to come, just as it did thousands of years ago."

Noting that Turkish troops have written heroic epics in their history, with many successes alongside Allied and South Korean forces during the Korean War that earned them the praise of all nations, Ambassador Tamer said, "The story of Lieutenant Mehmet Günentz shone like a light in the difficult times of the war, and his service played a decisive role in turning the tide of the battle and saving thousands of lives.

"And it wasn't just on the battlefield, Turkish soldiers stayed in Korea after the Korean War until 1972, supporting their Korean brothers and sisters by feeding the poor, hungry and orphans, providing shelter, building schools, and winning their hearts as a result."

He also said, "The Korean people also overcame the difficult times of the war and created the Korean miracle, or 'Miracle of the Han River,' which is how they brilliantly rebuilt their country from the ruins of war and created a country that today enjoys the trust and confidence of the world."

"I believe it would be wrong to view the Han River Miracle as an achievement made possible only by modern science and technology. It is a great example of how a country that has been destroyed, occupied, and attacked for centuries has defended and rebuilt itself with tremendous effort and sacrifice to stand tall on the stage of history."

Ambassador Tamer added, "I would like to take this opportunity to once again pay my respects to the martyred Lieutenant Mehmet Günentz, and to bow my head in honor of the noble sacrifice of all civilian and military heroes who gave their lives and blood for the freedom and independence of Korea."