Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we mark the 71st Memorial Day of the Republic of Korea, we have gathered here to deeply honor the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs and fallen heroes who gave their lives for our nation.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Vice Chairman Hee-Yoon Jung, who is attending on behalf of Chairman Seung-Pil Hong, as well as Hon. Melissa Lee, a six-term Member of Parliament from the National Party, who has joined us despite her busy legislative schedule. I also extend my appreciation to President Sung-Kyu Park of the Senior Citizens Association; Senior Vice President Bang-Woo Byun of the National Unification Advisory Council; Kyung-Sook Byun, President of UNPK NZ; Ae-Ryun Lee, President of the Korean Art Association of New Zealand; artist Young-Nam Jung; Hee-Jung Yoon, President of the Korean Women’s Association; Jung-Hyang Cha, President of the Korean Culture and Arts Association; former Senior Citizens Association President Gu-Han Jang; Woon-Dae Kim, CEO of Happy World; Young-Woo Jung, former President of the New Zealand Alumni Association of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy; Sung-Hoon Park, Chair of the Korean Community Center Building Management Committee and JP; and many other distinguished guests and members of our community for their presence today.
The freedom and prosperity that the Republic of Korea enjoys today were made possible by the sacrifices of those who devoted themselves to the nation. The liberal democracy and peace we cherish were not given freely; they are the invaluable result of unwavering determination and sacrifice to defend our country.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying forward their noble spirit and to firmly upholding the values of liberal democracy. Peace can only be sustained through strong security, and freedom shines brightest when supported by responsible citizenship. In this regard, the Korea Freedom Federation, as a leading civic organization dedicated to national security, will continue to take the lead in safeguarding liberal democracy, promoting national unity, and laying the foundation for peaceful reunification.
Today is especially meaningful as we not only commemorate Memorial Day but also celebrate the relocation of the New Zealand Chapter of the Korea Freedom Federation, marking a new beginning.
This relocation is not merely a change of location, but the start of a new vision to engage more closely with and serve our community. We will continue to develop various initiatives that provide practical support to Korean residents in New Zealand. As our first initiative, we are launching the “KFF New Zealand Community Safety Support Program.”
This program is a voluntary safety network based on the spirit of community service. It aims to support the safety of residents during extended absences, assist with community safety activities, provide event safety support, and help protect children during their commute to and from school. Through these efforts, we strive to build a safer and more caring community. In addition, we will connect the valuable experience and capabilities of the retired generation with community service, creating meaningful opportunities for social participation while strengthening intergenerational harmony and community spirit.
Furthermore, in response to requests from the North Shore community, we have begun offering free JP certification services every Friday. We will continue to grow as a community-centered organization that provides practical and accessible support to our residents.
I consider New Zealand my second home. As a citizen of the Republic of Korea and a member of New Zealand society, I will continue to reflect on and act upon what I can contribute to this country and its communities.
The New Zealand Chapter of the Korea Freedom Federation will actively communicate with diplomatic missions and serve as a strong bridge between Korea and New Zealand, contributing to the development and friendship between our two nations.
The spirit of Memorial Day is not only about remembering the past. It is about passing on the freedom and peace secured by our forebears to future generations, and about building a safe and healthy community together—this is our shared responsibility.
Once again, I pray for the eternal rest of our patriotic martyrs and fallen heroes, and I wish health and happiness to all attendees and members of our community.
Thank you.
June 6, 2026
Korea Freedom Federation, New Zealand Chapter
Son Ho Hyun (Maverick Son)
Chapter President
