We will always remember heroic warriors and will make the Republic of Korea stronger."
To mark the first anniversary of the sinking of Cheonan on Mar. 26, people across the country paid solemn tribute to 46 sailors killed in the deadly Cheonan warship sinking and Warrant Officer Han Joo-ho, who died while trying to rescue sailors.
A formal state one-year anniversary ceremony of Cheonan sinking, which was organized by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, took place at Daejeon National Cemetery to honor and remember 46 sailors and Han.
Some 4,500 guests, including President Lee Myung-bak, high-profile government officials, bereaved family members of Cheonan victims, attended the ceremony. The ceremony began with participants pledging allegiance to the nation. Then video clip honoring Cheonan victims was shown. Flowers were laid ahead of victims' portraits and performance was played to commemorate the event.
After viewing a memorial video, Lee, high-ranking government officials and military leaders paid solemn respect to Cheonan victims by laying flowers before victims' portraits while a requiem was played by a military band.
In his memorial address, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Sung-choon said, "Soldiers who defended our sea are true heroes of the Republic of Korea. People will always remember those heroic warriors and make this country stronger."
Before the beginning of the ceremony, Lee met bereaved family member of Cheonan victims and comforted them. He also encouraged children who lost their fathers by tapping their back.
In the meantime, Korean Army, Navy and Air Force units across the nation paid their respect to Cheonan victims by hoisting the national flag at half mast.
RoK MoD
