About MPVA > History > A Brief History of National Merit Reward - Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affaris

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Contents

For the last 100 years, the many threats to Korea have stirred the nation's patriotism. The multitude of selfless responses and the appearance of so many heroes willing to sacrifice themselves for the nation's struggles, attests to the people's patriotic response in times of adversity.

From the advent of the 20th century, Koreans have been forced to demonstrate their determination, courage, and endurance in fighting against the Japanese colonization. The cruel and evil suppression which the Korean people suffered under the Japanese occupation could not discourage the flood of compassionate, valiant, and patriotic heroes fighting for freedom in China, Russia, the USA, Mexico, Europe, and even in Japan itself, as well as in Korea.

In 1919, millions of Koreans dared to demand their independence with national flags in hands, believing in their hearts that the righteousness of their cause would lead them to victory. In return, however, these patriots received only the typical cowardly response of being shot, imprisoned, or massacred on the spot.

The establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, China in 1919, reflects the integrated yearnings of the Korean people for a new and independent, democratic state. The Provisional Government not only survived until independence, but also struck hard at the invaders on several occasions. The patriotic Koreans people's blood and pain finally paid for the achievement of independence in 1945.

The jubilation over the restoration of sovereignty didn't last long. Korea was again forced to fight to preserve the values of democracy and freedom. This time the fight was against communist North Korea's invasion.

Although the already feeble state was devastated, hundreds of thousands of young men and women made the ultimate sacrifice in doing their duty on behalf of the nation.

Without the precious support of the other disciples of freedom, from the 21 different countries who sent men and women to defend the Republic of Korea under the banner of the United Nations(UN), the Korean people could not have won their freedom and developed the prosperous society they have.

Over 600,000 young men and women are now standing ready to defend their country, just as their fathers and brothers did a generation ago. And Korean Armed Forces are now contributing to the world peace and freedom along with allied forces.