Commemoration of Turkish Heroes at UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan hosted a ceremony on March 18, 2025, for Gallipoli Victory and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day, honoring Turkish soldiers who died in the Korean War. Turkish Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer emphasized the contributions of Turkish troops, and representatives from the United Nations Command participated to commemorate these sacrifices and strengthen future cooperation.
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery (UNMC) in Busan, South Korea, honors Korean War veterans and features polished stone pathways, memorial statues, and flags from various nations. Visitors pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives for peace on the Korean Peninsula in this serene setting.
On March 18, 2025, Turkey observed “Gallipoli Victory and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day,” to honor Turkish soldiers, including the almost 1,000 who were killed during the Korean War and the 462 buried at the UNMC, commemorating their commitment to peace.
Turkish Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer highlighted the significance of this day, stating, “21,000 Turkish troops participated in the Korean War. 462 of them are in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan so this is the best place to commemorate Martyrs’ Day.” He emphasized the importance of remembering their ‘brothers in arms’ from the United Nations Command.
The United Nations Command sent representatives, including Lieutenant-Colonel Derek Adams of the Canadian Armed Forces, who reiterated the importance of honoring the contributions of allies. He said, “It is important for UNC to commemorate the historical contributions of our allies and partners while remaining focused on strengthening collective security on the Korean Peninsula.”
Major Ekrem Karadeniz from the Royal Netherlands Army shared a personal connection, recounting his grandfather’s participation in the Korean War and his experiences. He mentioned, “While the friend is not buried at UNMC due to where they fell, the Turkish Battalion Commander who took great care of my grandfather during the Korean War is buried at UNMC, and I was able to put a flower on his grave after the ceremony.”
The Turkish Ambassador expressed gratitude for the support from UNC, stating, “It’s a wonderful feeling. We are very grateful that UNC were supporting us for this.” He indicated a desire to strengthen cooperation regarding the legacy of Turkish soldiers.
The ceremony held on March 18, 2025, at the UNMC in Busan symbolized the enduring tribute to Turkish soldiers and their sacrifices during the Korean War. It emphasized a commitment to remembering the past while fostering future cooperation among nations. The support from UN Command further reflects the valued partnerships formed through shared sacrifices in securing peace. The event not only honored fallen soldiers but also reinforced the importance of collective efforts toward security.
Original Source: www.dvidshub.net
