USAG CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines, the R.O.K. Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and veterans and citizens from both nations honored the legacy of the two services this past month.
Lt. Gen. Jun, Jin Goo, the R.O.K. commandant of the Marine Corps, and Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann, the commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, began the commemorations with a trip to Washington, Sept. 4-10.
Gen. Robert B. Neller, USMC commandant, awarded Jun the Legion of Merit during his visit for his achievements in strengthening the combined capabilities between the world’s two largest Marine Corps and ultimately the U.S.-R.O.K.
R.O.K. and U.S. Marines celebrated the 68th Anniversary for the Battle of Inchon with a combined uniform pageant and full ceremony to include performances from the R.O.K. Navy and Marine Corps ceremonial units at Incheon, Sept. 14. The combined leadership of R.O.K. and U.S. naval forces laid a wreath and held a luncheon with the MPVA, veterans, and citizens of both nations the following day.
Both Marine forces celebrated the liberation of Seoul at the Seoul City Hall with the citizens of the city as well as contingents from each nation’s joint services, Sept. 29.
Finally, the minister for the MVPA honored the U.S. 1st Marine Division with a commemoration of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, Oct. 10.
Closing the commemorations, General Kim, Byung Joo, Combined Forces Command deputy commander, presented Hermesmann his Korean name Ha, Pan Su, which means hard working protector and is considered among the highest honors a foreign dignitary can receive in the country. The naming ceremony hosted by the R.O.K. Ministry of Defense went after the commemoration on the same day.
R.O.K. and U.S. Marines annually pursue combined military capabilities to forge the nations’ “ironclad” commitment to their alliance.