On the 15th, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps held a ceremony to commemorate its 76th anniversary. During the event, Marine Corps Commandant Ju Il-seok emphasized the importance of unity and harmony under the Marine Corps flag to become a military trusted by the public.
The celebration took place at the Marine Corps Headquarters and was attended by approximately 400 people, including Seong Il-jong, Chairman of the National Assembly Defense Committee, An Gyu-baek, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, former commanders, reservists, active-duty personnel, and officials from sister organizations and related agencies.
In his speech, Commandant Ju highlighted that the current Marine Corps exists thanks to the sacrifice and dedication of the preceding marines who risked their lives for the country, as well as the sweat and passion of all current members who strive to continue their legacy.
Additionally, Commandant Ju awarded the ‘Core Values (Loyalty, Honor, Challenge) Award’ to exemplary soldiers and civilian employees. Master Sergeant Lee Ju-won (Special Reconnaissance Battalion) was recognized in the ‘Loyalty’ category for his significant role in missions such as the Cheonghae Unit’s operation to rescue Korean citizens and civilian rescue during typhoon damage. Captain Park Min-wook (2nd Division) received the ‘Honor’ award for embodying the Marine Corps tradition of caring for the people, demonstrated through his efforts to save a citizen in cardiac arrest and his regular sponsorship activities. Han Kyung-seob, a Grade 5 employee at the headquarters, was awarded in the ‘Challenge’ category for driving the aggressive introduction of excellent and innovative products to improve service life conditions and implement advanced science and technology in the Marine Corps.
Moreover, the Marine Corps selected six families, spanning three generations of active duty service in the Marines, as ‘Military Service Prestigious Families’ and presented them with a certification plaque. Sergeant Lee Se-min, who followed in the footsteps of his grandfather (15th class Marine during the Korean War) and father (189th class Marine Corps officer) to become the 1302nd class, expressed his pride, saying, “I am very happy that the dedication of my beloved grandfather and father is honored by the Marine Corps I chose.”
Meanwhile, all Marine Corps units marked the 76th anniversary by holding foundation day ceremonies in various locations, including the northwestern islands, Gimpo, Ganghwa, Pohang, and Jeju Island.