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Sponsor Night held in the U.S. to commemorate Korean War veterans
2025.03.21
● Three honorary recipients, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation (KWVMF) and Larry Kinard (92).
● LIG Chairman Koo Bon-sang, who received a plaque of appreciation from the foundation, said in his congratulatory remarks,
“We owe our peace and prosperity to the courage and dedication of our forefathers… We will never forget them.”
With the beginning of President Trump’s second term, a commemorative event reaffirming the dedication of Korean War veterans and the commitment of the KOR-U.S. alliance was held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., on March 21 (local time). The event was hosted by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation (KWVMF), and approximately 250 people participated, including war veterans, U.S. Army former and current high-ranking leaders, and Trump administration officials.
From the U.S., John H. Tilelli, Jr., Board Chairman and former commander of U.S. Forces Korea, and Harry Harris, former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Korea, were present. From Korea, Yoon Hyung-jin, defense attaché, and Koo Bon-sang, Chairman of LIG, were present.
The event began with the national anthems of both Korea and the U.S., followed by commemorative remarks from both countries’ representatives, former ambassador Harris’s keynote speech on “the future of the KOR-U.S. alliance,” a special performance by singer Kang Yoon-jung, and, finally, the award presentation.
Larry Kinard (92) was selected as an honorary recipient. He served as an artillery officer on the front lines at the Imjin River during the Korean War and later served as the president of the Korea War Veterans Association (KWVA), where he led the “Tell America” educational program to raise awareness of the Korean War among Americans. Charles Garrod and Kum Cha Bertling were honored in the ‘Supporters’ category for their unwavering support and compassion for Korean War veterans.
The KWVMF announced plans in 2022 to renovate the Wall of Remembrance, incorporating next-generation AR technology to present more vivid scenes of the Korean War and highlight the dedication of its veterans.
LIG Chairman Koo Bon-sang, who participated on behalf of the Korean sponsors, said in his congratulatory remarks that “the peace and prosperity we are experiencing now are only possible thanks to the courage and dedication of our forefathers. All of the executives and employees of LIG will always appreciate and repay the debt we owe to the war veterans.”
KWVMF Board Chairman John Tilelli presented a plaque of appreciation to LIG Chairman Koo Bon-sang for his contribution to the KOR-U.S. alliance through continued interest and support for Korean War veterans.