The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said it will host a "UN Participating Nations Thank-You Dinner" for veterans and their families from 22 participating nations who visited Korea, at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Seoul on the evening of the 27th.
The event was arranged to mark UN Forces Participation Day and to express gratitude to the UN participating nations, veterans, and their families.
In addition to all 22 participating nations attending, about 200 people will be present, including Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul, visiting veterans and their families (73 people), the deputy commander of the UN Command, and defense attachés from each nation.
For the celebratory performance, the Kagnew Choir, composed of 34 descendants of veterans from Ethiopia's Kagnew Battalion, will perform a fan dance to "Hollo Arirang" as the thank-you dinner begins.
Minister Kwon will award the "Ambassador for Peace Medal," expressing gratitude, to 13 veterans, and then read a welcoming address on behalf of President Lee Jae-myung.
The response address will be delivered by Filipino veteran Rodrigo Erenio, who met with the president during his visit to the Philippines last March.
In particular, a Baeksuyeon (a celebration for a 99th birthday) will be held to wish good health and longevity for U.S. veteran Luis Boria Jr., the oldest among the returning veterans, who turns 99 this year.
Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul said, "Our government will strive to remember, repay, and honor the noble sacrifice and dedication of the UN war heroes through various international veterans affairs projects, including return-visit invitation events, on-site appreciation and consolation events, and descendant exchanges."
Meanwhile, the visiting veterans and their families will carry out schedules including a visit to Panmunjom on the 28th, and are set to depart according to each nation's schedule starting on the 29th.
