By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. diplomat said Monday the ultimate sacrifices of troops during the 1950-53 Korean War underscore that "freedom is not free," adding that their service helped transform South Korea from a war-ravaged nation into "one of the world's most dynamic democracies and vibrant economies."

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre made the remarks during a ceremony marking the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the armistice agreement that has halted the fighting in the war, but left the two Koreas technically at war.

"July 27, 1953 was not just an end of hostile activities, but the birth of an enduring alliance safeguarded by our shared sacrifice," he said, referring to the date when the armistice was signed by the U.S.-led U.N. Command, North Korea and China.

"Together, our nations fought communism and defended freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula. As a result, we transformed a war-torn nation into one of the world's most dynamic democracies and vibrant economies," he added.

Paying tribute to the Korean War troops from 22 nations that sent combat troops or medical aid to defend South Korea during the conflict, DeSombre said, "Their courage built the modern world. The security we enjoy is their living legacy."

In addition, he expressed his respect for the families of the fallen, the missing and those who carried "the invisible wounds of the war."

"You bore the heavy burden of absence, worry and grief. Our nation and the world owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid," he said.

He briefly sounded choked up when he mentioned that the family of his Korean-born wife is originally from Incheon -- the city near Seoul where U.S. and other U.N. forces conducted a daring amphibious assault operation in September 1950 that reversed the course of the war.

"Were it not for the shared sacrifice that protected a free South Korea, I would have never met her," he said. "This is the true legacy of the war: millions of families who are given the chance to live, build futures and thrive."

The diplomat went on to stress that the ultimate sacrifices of South Korean and U.S. troops serve as a reminder that freedom is not free.

"Our responsibility today is to ensure we are prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder yet again, should we ever be called to combat and maintain the peace, security and prosperity that these men and women from around the world secured at such a high price," he said.

The commemoration was also attended by former U.S. Forces Korea Commander John Tilelli and Brig. Gen. Yoon Hyeong-jin, defense attache at the South Korean Embassy in Washington.

Tilelli pointed out that the Korean War is often "mislabeled" as the forgotten war, stressing that the sacrifices of the fallen troops should never be forgotten.

"The verdant fields of the global economy, the free democracy and the free and beautiful country would not exist if it had not been for the sacrifices of those who fought and those who died there," he said. "We should never forget that."

Yoon said that the sacrifices of Korean War veterans are the "bedrock of our liberty."

"If you wish to see the true monument of your love and sacrifice, please look at Korea today. From the ash and dust of war, it has bloomed into a thriving, vibrant democracy. Every free breath we take in Korea, every bright smile of our children is a living gift from you," he said. "Your sacrifice was never in vain. It gave life to a nation."

He also said that the South Korea-U.S. alliance, forged in the crucible of the war, stands "stronger than ever."

"It is no longer just a strategic partnership, but an unbreakable bond of brotherhood sealed in blood and shared values," he said.

sshluck@yna.co.kr

(END)

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