Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A poignant tribute to the 2,482 Ethiopian veterans confirmed to have participated in the Korean War has been unveiled in the heart of Ethiopia’s capital. The monument, a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers, stands as a new addition to the Korean War Participation Memorial in Addis Ababa.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Monday, was a significant event organized by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The monument, made of marble, bears the names of the Ethiopian soldiers who have been officially recognized through thorough investigation and testimonies from bereaved families. The construction of this monument was funded by the Korean government, with a budget of approximately 90 million won (around $80,000).
In response to inquiries about the delay in erecting the monument, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs explained that confirming the precise number of Ethiopian participants was challenging due to the loss of records during Ethiopia’s communist regime. The accurate identification of these veterans was only made possible through a collaborative investigation by the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Korean Ministry of Defense, which commenced in July of the previous year.
Historical records indicate that about 3,518 Ethiopian troops took part in the Korean War, making Ethiopia the largest contributor of combat troops among African nations during the conflict. In total, 16 countries, including major powers like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, sent combat forces to Korea.
The newly erected monument has been designed with additional space to accommodate names of other Ethiopian veterans who may be identified in future investigations, ensuring that no hero goes unrecognized.
Veterans Affairs Minister Kang Jeong-ae, who attended the ceremony, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Korean people. “The government and people of the Republic of Korea will forever remember the sacrifice of the Ethiopian veterans who helped the Republic of Korea in crisis with compassion,” she said.
The unveiling of this monument not only honors the past but also strengthens the historical bonds between Korea and Ethiopia, reminding both nations of their shared sacrifices and enduring friendship.
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