Seoul: The commander of the United Nations Command (UNC) said Monday the Armistice Agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War has served to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as South Korea and allied nations marked the 73rd anniversary of the ceasefire. UNC Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson made the remarks in an X post, honoring the 22 countries that fought or provided medical support under the U.N. flag against North Korean and Chinese forces during the three-year conflict.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Gen. Xavier Brunson emphasized the enduring significance of the Armistice Agreement, noting that while it is not a peace treaty, it has provided a framework for preserving peace on the Korean Peninsula for over seven decades. He highlighted the importance of the veterans, referring to them as a "living bridge between the battlefield of yesterday and the peace we safeguard today."
Brunson further stated that the legacy of these veterans serves as a reminder of the need for steadfast commitment, vigilance, and readiness to uphold the Armistice. "There is no substitute for being ready," he emphasized in his post.
The Armistice Agreement, signed on July 27, 1953, between the UNC and the North Korean and Chinese militaries, was intended to temporarily halt the conflict. Despite the ceasefire, the two Koreas remain technically at war. The agreement established the Military Demarcation Line, where both sides pulled back 2 kilometers to create a 4-km-wide buffer zone known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which now divides the two Koreas.
The U.S.-led UNC continues to administer and enforce the Armistice Agreement. In South Korea, July 27 is observed as "U.N. Forces Participation Day" to honor the fallen troops and express gratitude to the 22 U.N. member states that provided support during the Korean War. In contrast, North Korea commemorates the day as "Victory Day," claiming to have achieved victory over the U.N.-led forces.