ILOILO City – Two Ilonggos who were veterans of the Korean War were proclaimed “ambassadors of peace” by the South Korean government.
Private First Class Felix J. Gallardo and 2nd Lieutenant Ramon P. Celeste were bestowed with “peace medals” yesterday by South Korea’s ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man at Richmonde Hotel, Iloilo Business Park.
“The veterans deserve the title of hero. There is no doubt that the Republic of Korea would not be enjoying peace, democracy and economic prosperity today without the noble and great sacrifice of Filipino Korean War veterans,” said Han.
The Philippines sent combat troops to the Korean War that began on June 25, 1950. Collectively known as the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), 7,420 Filipino soldiers protected South Korea until 1955.
Han said the South Korean people have not forgotten and will never forget the sacrifices of Filipinos to preserve democracy in the Republic of Korea.
Aside from suffering the brutality of war, Han said, PEFTOK soldiers had to contend with homesickness, language barrier and the harsh Korean winter.
The Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea following a series of clashes along their border.
The United Nations, with the United States as the principal force, came to the aid of South Korea.
China, on the other hand, came to the aid of North Korea. The Soviet Union also gave some assistance to the North.
With the medals, the “Ambassador of Peace” Official Proclamation given to Gallardo and Celeste, now in their 80s, stated: “The Republic of Korea and its people express everlasting gratitude for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.”
The “Ambassador of Peace” Official Proclamation was signed by the Minister of the Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Chairman of the Korean Veterans Association.
“We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our free nation,” the proclamation further read. “Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.”
The South Korean government regularly awards peace medals to honor Korean War veterans.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Han.
As a product of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War 2, the Korean Peninsula was split into two regions (North and South) with separate governments. Both claimed to be the legitimate government of all of Korea, and neither accepted the border as permanent./PN
