When did the Armed Forces Day in South Korea start?
About Armed Forces Day in South Korea Holiday
Today, Koreans around the country are celebrating Armed Forces Day, which marks the 61st anniversary since the day the Republic of Korea's military was founded. This marks a special occasion for Koreans to show their appreciation and gratitude to the men and women of the South Korean military who work valiantly to keep our country safe and secure.
This holiday is especially poignant this year, when the Korean Peninsula is navigating its most significant period of peace and stability in decades. It is now more important than ever that the South Korean military stands firm and charges forward in order to protect our nation and its people living in freedom and harmony.
Armed Forces Day is a day to acknowledge and honour our brave servicemen and women. Through their capable hands, the security and well-being of the Korean people are safeguarded. Their dedication and courage is the cornerstone of our national security, and we thank them for their unwavering commitment. Gwiseon, hamsai!
History and Origin of Armed Forces Day in South Korea
Armed Forces Day in South Korea (also referred to as “Armed Forces Commemoration Day”) is a special holiday commemorating the efforts of the 3 branches of the South Korean military. The day has its origins in 1945 when the South Korean military was established by the United States military government, in the aftermath of World War II. The establishment of the military was meant to ensure the safety and prosperity of the newly independent South Korean nation. It is a day to thank and recognize all the men and women in the South Korean military who selflessly serve their nation and put their own lives at risk to protect it.
The holiday was first celebrated on October 1, 1949, when the South Korean army, navy, and air force were combined into a single entity known as the ROK (Republic of Korea) Armed Forces. The holiday has been celebrated annually ever since, though the date of the holiday has changed a few times in the intervening years. For example, the date was originally December 11th but was moved to October 1st in 1955. Then, in 1995, it was moved to October 8th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ROK Armed Forces. In 2020, it was once again moved to October 1st to emphasize the importance of the National Armed Forces Day.
Significance and Meaning of Armed Forces Day in South Korea
Armed Forces Day in South Korea is a day to remember and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of all service members of the South Korean military. It is also a day to recognize the contributions of those who have served their country and to honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the nation.
The South Korean government also uses the holiday to remind citizens of the importance of national defense. It is a reminder of the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens from external threats, as well as the importance of unity and cooperation to ensure the country’s safety. The holiday is also a time to reflect on the achievement and progress of the South Korean military over the years.
Traditions and Celebrations on Armed Forces Day in South Korea
The celebration of Armed Forces Day in South Korea is centered around 3 traditional activities which have been observed for many years. Firstly, the South Korean military bands throughout the country perform special concerts in honor of the holiday. Secondly, the government hosts various special activities at military installations across the country. The installations are also open to the public during the day so that citizens can get a first-hand look at their nation’s armed forces. Lastly, there are special military parades in the country’s largest cities in honor of the day.
In recent years, the South Korean government has also added more activities to the day’s celebration, such as selection ceremonies for enlisted personnel and ceremonies honoring veterans of service. Other activities that take place on Armed Forces Day in South Korea include blood donation campaigns, memorial ceremonies, and cultural events.
Geographical Spread of Armed Forces Day in South Korea
Armed Forces Day in South Korea is nationally recognized and observed by citizens throughout the country. The main observances take place at military bases and installations across the country – these events are open to the public and citizens from all parts of the country are invited to participate. In addition, there are special military parades in the country’s largest cities, such as Seoul and Busan.
The celebration of Armed Forces Day in South Korea is an opportunity for citizens to show their appreciation and support for the men and women who serve in the military. Despite the day being a national holiday, citizens are encouraged to display small flags or ribbons on their vehicles and homes in support of the holiday.
Modern Day Observations of Armed Forces Day in South Korea
Over the years, the celebrations for Armed Forces Day in South Korea have evolved, and the holiday continues to be an important national occasion. While the traditional commemorations and activities are still observed, the South Korean government has added some modern elements to the celebrations, such as tech displays, laser shows, and light shows. The Armed Forces Day event in the city of Seoul is particularly popular and features several military display stands from the Korean Defense Ministry, Air Force, and Navy.
Interesting Facts or Trivia about Armed Forces Day in South Korea
1. The holiday is celebrated on October 1st to mark the same day in 1945 when the United States established the South Korean military.
2. 86 years after the establishment of the military, there are over 600,000 active duty service members in the South Korean military.
3. The largest and most elaborate Armed Forces Day parades take place in Seoul and Busan.
4. To honor the holiday, South Korean citizens are encouraged to display national flags and service ribbons on their cars and homes.
5. South Korea celebrates a separate holiday known as Veterans Day on June 6th to honor and recognize men and women who have served in the military in the past.
6. In 2020, the South Korean government launched the “Korean War Commemoration Day” to honor the South Korean military personnel who were killed in the Korean War.
7. The South Korean military also honors Armed Forces Day with a special military performance of the traditional martial art known as “taekwondo”.
8. The South Korean military awards its highest honour, the Republic of Korea Medal of Honor, on Armed Forces Day.
9. Since 1990, Armed Forces Day celebrations in South Korea have been broadcast to the world through a special livestream on the internet.
10. South Korean celebrities often join the celebrations by performing special concerts for service personnel and their families.
Popular Holiday Wishes for Armed Forces Day in South Korea
1. Wishing our brave service members health, safety, and courage.
2. Grateful to the men and women in the military for keeping us safe.
3. Close our eyes in gratitude and remember the sacrifices made by our service personnel.
4. May your patriotism be a source of pride and strength for South Korea.
5. Saluting the courage and valor of our military who have gone above and beyond.
Popular Holiday Messages for Armed Forces Day in South Korea
1. We owe our safety and security to the brave men and women in the South Korean military.
2. Thanks for the sacrifices made for the nation. Our future is because of you.
3. Our deepest respect and gratitude for the South Korean military personnel who selflessly serve their nation.
4. As we enjoy the long weekend, let us take a moment to remember the service personnel protecting us.
5. Our courage and freedom are born from the service of our military personnel.
Popular Holiday Quotes for Armed Forces Day in South Korea
1. “When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” — George Canning
2. “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” — Cynthia Ozick
3. “In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country, can change it.” — Barack Obama
4. “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause.” — Abraham Lincoln
5. “The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree.” — Thomas Campbell
Other Popular Holiday Info For Armed Forces Day in South Korea
In addition to its official designation and celebration on October 1st, Armed Forces Day in South Korea is also recognized on the anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire – July 27th. On this day, the South Korean government holds a memorial service to give thanks and pay tribute to the fallen service personnel of the Korean War.
The Korean War (also known as the 6-2-5 War, or the “Fatherland Liberation War”) took place from 1950 to 1953, and fought between the North Korean and Chinese forces against the United Nations, primarily South Korea and the United States. The war resulted in the deaths of more than 2 million Koreans and was considered one of the bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. On July 27, 1953, a ceasefire was declared, but the country remains officially at war, as no peace treaty has been signed to this day.
In recent years, the South Korean government has also implemented a special initiative to recognize service personnel who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. Every year, as part of the official Armed Forces Day celebrations, the government bestows the Service Medal Granted by the president of South Korea, in recognition of their sacrifices and service to the nation.
Finally, the holiday is also celebrated privately by families and friends of service personnel who are away from home for extended periods of time. Special days of observance such as Armed Forces Day help to remind us of the importance of looking after those in the military and thanking them for their service and everything they have done to protect the country.
Armed Forces Day in South Korea Also Called
Armed Forces Day in South Korea is also referred to as Memorial Day or Armed Forces Commemoration Day.Countries where "Armed Forces Day in South Korea" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1953, Armed Forces Day in South Korea is celebrated on October 1 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
In fiercely contested waters, Philippine ‘Christmas convoy’ to challenge Chinese claims
SEOUL, South Korea — In the hotly disputed waters of the South China Sea, “People’s War” is a game two can play. In a creative new ploy, Philippine civilian volunteers have assembled and crewed a “Christmas Convoy” of vessels that will set sail into waters west of the archipelago to challenge Chinese seaborne assets patrolling there. According to reports from the Philippines in recent days, the government’s National Security Council has reversed its earlier stance opposing in the idea as too risky, giving the green light to the convoy being organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, an alliance of civic groups. Philippine Coast Guard vessels will reportedly escort the civilian fleet, which consists of some 40 vessels led by a…