Mexican Veterans visit Korea for a special invitational tour of Pohang Works
POSCO invited Mexican veterans who participated in the Korean War and their bereaved families to Korea last month, the company said on July 15.
During the Korean War, Mexico provided humanitarian aid by sending food and medical supplies to South Korea under the principle of maintaining neutrality without intervening in or allied with the events of certain countries.
In addition, about 100,000 Mexicans and Mexican Americans, who are not official participants, participated in the war under the flags of the United Nations and the United States. Unfortunately, the gratitude message has been delayed for a long time, and POSCO has decided to invite the veterans and their bereaved families to Korea to honor their sacrifice and devotion.
POSCO invited a total of 18 Mexican veterans including three veterans and their families and arrived in Korea on June 26 to visit the Yongsan War Memorial of Korea, a luncheon meeting at the POSCO Center, and a special tour of the Pohang Works. Afterward, they visited the UN Veterans Memorial in Busan and the memorial of Operation Chromite during their seven nights and eight days of the journey.
Alberto Fernández Almada, a veteran who participated in the Pohang Works tour said, “I was impressed by the organically well-connected processes of the steelwork and eco-friendly efforts such as water recycling.” “I am very happy to be able to tour the steelworks that led the steel industry in Korea, and it was a meaningful time to see the future competitiveness of the steel industry,” he added.
Choi Soon-young, Representative President of POSCO-Mexico, who promoted this visit said, “I express my infinite gratitude and respect for the invaluable dedication and sacrifice of Mexican veterans who came to Korea from 12,000 km away 72 years ago and protected freedom and peace. I hope that this visit will be a time for Mexican veterans to see the development of the Republic of Korea which was made by the dedication of veterans’ youth and feel proud of the valuable achievements and sacrifices made in the past.”
POSCO has delivered a tribute medal since 2013 to honor the invaluable sacrifice spirit of the Korean War veterans and express their gratitude under the corporate citizenship management philosophy and has been awarding a plaque of appreciation made of POSCO stainless steel since 2019.
In particular, in 2020, POSCO delivered a plaque of appreciation to 3,700 veterans from 16 countries in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War and donated masks and hand sanitizers to overcome COVID-19. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mexico, expanding the gratitude for participating in the Korean War to Mexican veterans.