AUSTIN, Texas (TexasN) — A commemorative ceremony honoring the 73rd anniversary of the ROK-US Alliance and the noble sacrifices of Korean War veterans was held on Saturday, June 6, at 11:00 AM at the Texas Military Forces Museum inside Camp Mabry, Austin.
The event, which coincided with South Korea’s official Memorial Day (Hyeonchungil), was co-hosted by the Korean American Association of Greater Austin (President Susie Kang) and the Korean American Association of Houston (President Hyung-sun Kim), and organized by the Austin-Gwangmyeong Sister City Committee (Chairman Teddy Kim). The ceremony brought together local political and business leaders, military officials, war veterans, and members of the Korean-American community to reaffirm the significance of the alliance and pledge a shared vision for the future.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Mayor Kirk Watson Issue Proclamations and Congratulatory Messages
In an official congratulatory proclamation, Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated, “What began as a shared commitment to defend democracy and preserve peace has grown into one of the strongest and most successful alliances in the world.” He added, “Texas and the Republic of Korea are vital economic partners poised to lead global technological innovation and economic activity, and I look forward to further deepening the economic and cultural ties that unite us.”
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson also officially proclaimed June 6 as “US-ROK Alliance Day” for the city of Austin. In his proclamation, Mayor Watson reaffirmed the importance of the partnership, noting, “Since the 1953 armistice, the US-ROK Alliance has broadened into a global, comprehensive strategic partnership, serving as a cornerstone for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Regional Leaders: “South Korea is a Core Partner in Economy and Security”
Key economic and political leaders from Central Texas attended the ceremony to emphasize the weight of bilateral economic cooperation.
Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP), shared his insights: “Since opening our office in Seoul in 2023 to assist Korean semiconductor suppliers, we have learned firsthand how critically important South Korea is to our national security. The US-ROK Alliance is undoubtedly the cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific.”
Danielle Morrissey, Vice President of Economic Development for the Round Rock Chamber, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Central Texas warmly welcomes South Korean companies, suppliers, and talent. We are fully committed to creating an environment where these companies can truly thrive.” Cedar Park Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Harris, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, also remarked, “Let us continue to overcome future challenges together, steadfast in friendship and bound by shared values and mutual respect.”
Presentation of Peace Medals to Veterans and Promotion of Second-Generation Korean-American Officer
A deeply moving segment of the event was the Veteran Recognition Ceremony. Special “Medals of Peace”—crafted by South Korean steelmaker POSCO by melting down barbed wire used during the Korean War—were presented to both American and South Korean veterans. Expressing deep gratitude, Houston Korean Association President Hyung-sun Kim bowed his head, stating, “The prosperity and peace that South Korea enjoys today exist solely because of the sacrifices made by these heroes, who are now in their 90s.”
Following the medal presentation, a promotion ceremony was held on-site for Major Allison Kil, a second-generation Korean-American military medical officer. Newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Kil took her oath of office in front of her family and community members, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Army III Corps. Her father, Attorney William Kil, emphasized the legacy of their service, saying, “Freedom is not free; it is a priceless treasure secured through the sacrifice of heroes, and future generations must always remember its value.”
Korean-American General Julian Perez: “We Go Together!”
The keynote address was delivered by Brigadier General Julian Perez, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. As a second-generation Korean-American general born in Suwon, South Korea, to a U.S. military father and a Korean mother, Brig. Gen. Perez reflected on his heritage: “Growing up in Korea as a military child, I learned early what sacrifice, service, and resilience looked like. Returning later as an Army officer assigned to Camp Humphreys felt like coming home, and it allowed me to witness the absolute ironclad nature of this alliance firsthand.”
He continued, “Today, nearly 40,000 U.S. troops continue to serve alongside the Republic of Korea Armed Forces on the peninsula to safeguard peace. Our alliance is not sustained by treaties alone, but through people, relationships, and shared values.”
Brigadier General Perez concluded his powerful speech by leading the entire audience in a thunderous delivery of the symbolic combined forces motto: “We Go Together!”
Catherine Wahrmund amiangs0210@gmail.com
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