Cemetery at Seoul National Cemetery ⒸHanmi Ilbo

Each year, as Memorial Day approaches, there is a subject that tugs at our heartstrings. 

We must remember the blood, sacrifice, and dedication of the fallen soldiers of the Korean War who charged forward without a moment to think of their families back home, their sole focus being the nation's safety amidst the onslaught of artillery; the patriotic martyrs who gave their one and only lives unconditionally; and the 55 heroes of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the sinking of the Cheonan, and the shelling of Yeonpyeong, who defended the West Sea.

There is a self-evident truth we must remember: defending the nation is not a mere theory or slogan; it is proven only through 'dedication' and 'action' where one gives their entire being. Therefore, it is the duty of those living today to fully care for and honor the spirits of those who died for their country, those who defended it, and those who protected our freedom. We must consider veteran support as essential for the nation's existence. 

Developed nations define veteran support as "the core of national identity and continuity of security." The United States has a Department of Veterans Affairs, stating that "caring for heroes is a sacred duty of the nation," and implements robust veteran policies. The "G.I. Bill," a welfare policy introduced by the United States after World War II to provide extraordinary support for the medical care, education, and housing of returning soldiers, transformed returning servicemen into a highly educated middle class, becoming a "driving force for national development" that propelled the US to become the world's strongest nation.

The United Kingdom, through the "Soldier's Oath," ensures the government and society are responsible for their sacrifices until the end, while Australia treats veteran support not as welfare but as an "investment in future security." Like them, we too must redefine veteran support from a mere benevolent compensation to an institutional responsibility for the nation's perpetuity. 

On Memorial Day, we should not merely offer prayers for the departed and pay respects. Instead, we must examine the structural contradictions in South Korea's veteran support policies and transition to a future-oriented paradigm.

First, the 'burden of proof must be entirely borne by the state' in the veteran assessment system.

Currently, our veteran assessment system often requires individuals recognized for their contributions and their families to prove the causal relationship between their injuries or illnesses and their service themselves. This is not a show of respect for their dedication, but rather an administratively convenient approach that inflicts further emotional distress.

For injuries and illnesses sustained while performing duties in uniform, the state must proactively provide evidence and protection. There is an urgent need for legislative and institutional improvements that decisively shift the burden of proof from the veteran to the state. Only when there is trust that the state will be responsible until the end can our youth confidently answer the nation's call.

Second, we must foster a 'social atmosphere' where heroes in uniform are respected.

True veteran support does not end with simply handing over a few pieces of monetary compensation. A cultural foundation must be established where heroes in uniform, such as soldiers, police officers, and firefighters, receive overwhelming respect and just treatment throughout society.

We must build a robust system, across both public and private sectors, where those who have contributed to national defense receive preferential treatment socially and institutionally. We must elevate the standards to prevent politicians and pseudo-scholars who disparage or alienate those who have sacrificed on the front lines of security and public safety from gaining a foothold in our society.

The pain of the past, when the memorial service for the heroes of the Battle of Yeonpyeong was ignored, and the malicious conspiracy theories and denigration by some pseudo-scholars towards the sailors of the Cheonan must not be repeated. Now, just as the United States has nurtured veterans into the middle class and treated them as heroes in daily life through the "G.I. Bill," we too must elevate the standards of national compensation and social respect so that the sacrifices of those in uniform are not marginalized.

Third, we must evolve into a 'national veteran care system' that integrates advanced science and technology.

We must actively adopt AI and advanced science and technology into our defense and security systems to protect the lives of our service members. This is because minimizing the sacrifices of heroes in uniform on the battlefield and in disaster areas is the starting point of veteran support.

Furthermore, for wounded veterans and their families who have already made sacrifices, we must provide world-class scientific and technological welfare services, such as robotic prosthetics and AI-based chronic disease monitoring. Just as your love for the country was the highest spiritual science that physically protected the Republic of Korea, the nation's veteran support, compensation, and reward must also be the most scientific and optimal.

Veteran support is a memory of the past and a solemn promise of the future. It is time for the government and all citizens to pour the best veteran support policies and utmost sincerity into ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes, offered for the nation, are never in vain and remain an eternal glory. 

To the patriotic spirits and national defense heroes resting in the embrace of free Korea! Please lay down your heavy burdens and rest in eternal peace. On the 71st Memorial Day, we commemorate the fallen and patriotic heroes and reflect on national veteran support. 

◆ Park Pil-kyu

Editor, Hanmi Ilbo

Korea Military Academy, Class of '82 (40th)