73rd Anniversary of Korea Coast Guard Day... "We Will Be a Reliable Life Vest for the Sea"

First Permanent Archive Donation Ceremony

held for personal belongings of the late Chief Inspector Son Jinguk

The 73rd Anniversary of Korea Coast Guard Day ceremony was held on the morning of the 10th at the Korea Coast Guard headquarters in Songdo, Incheon.

In light of the ongoing search for those missing in the capsizing of the tugboat TNS Catcher off the coast of Busan on September 2, the Coast Guard proceeded quietly with the ceremony, attended by around 400 staff members and no external guests.

In a video congratulatory message, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook emphasized, “Protecting the lives and safety of the people is the raison d’etre and the most important duty of the nation,” and pledged, “The state will safeguard the Korea Coast Guard, which protects our citizens.” She also promised ongoing efforts and support to ensure treatment and recognition commensurate with the sacrifices and dedication of Coast Guard officers.

The 73rd Anniversary Ceremony of the Korea Coast Guard Day is being held on the morning of the 10th at the Korea Coast Guard Headquarters in Songdo, Incheon. Provided by the Korea Coast Guard Headquarters

The ceremony included the “First Permanent Archive Donation Ceremony,” where the family of Chief Inspector Son Jinguk, who died in the line of duty 50 years ago, presented his personal belongings to the Coast Guard. Eleven items, including a posthumous rank insignia, a presidential commendation, and an envelope containing the President’s condolence money, were donated by the family and will be permanently preserved in the Coast Guard’s special archive as valuable records to pass on the spirit of sacrifice and the history of the Coast Guard to future generations.

Chief Inspector Son lost his life in November 1976, after rescuing around 60 fishing vessels and 10 crew members during severe weather off Deokjeokdo, Incheon, and remaining at his post on the patrol ship until the end.

The ceremony also featured the “Life Jacket, Life Vest” campaign with children, who are the future generation. Under the slogan “Filling Safety, Opening the Future,” the Acting Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard and parents helped the children put on life jackets, reaffirming their commitment to being a reliable safeguard for the public’s safety at sea.

In his commemorative address, Jang Insik, Acting Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard, stated, “We will further strengthen our on-site response capabilities and expertise, putting maritime safety and the lives of our people as the highest priority,” adding, “We will become a trusted Coast Guard for the citizens, serving as a reliable life vest for the seas of Korea.”

Acting Commissioner Insik Jang (left) of the Korea Coast Guard is taking a commemorative photo after receiving personal belongings from the family of Senior Inspector Jinguk Son, who passed away in the line of duty, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death at the '73rd Korea Coast Guard Day Ceremony' held on the 10th. Provided by the Korea Coast Guard

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.