OCTOBER 24, 2025 – United Nations Command (UNC) leaders, personnel, and families marked a historic occasion Wednesday, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 75th anniversary of UNC at the opening ceremony of the 2025 UN Participation Memorial Festival at the War Memorial of Korea.
Following the creation of the United Nations in 1945, the United Nations Command established in July 1950 was the first attempt at collective security under the UN system. From 1950 to 1953, 22 countries contributed either combat forces or medical units to support South Korea under the UN flag.
During the ceremony, General Xavier T. Brunson, Commander of United Nations Command, offered commemorative remarks and reaffirmed the importance of UNC Member States’ enduring support to UNC and to the Korean People since the beginning of the Korean War in 1950.
“We honor the unprecedented solidarity of 22 nations who stood under the UN banner whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for the Republic of Korea’s freedom, prosperity, and democracy,” said Gen. Brunson. “Their legacy endures. The spirit of alliance and unity remains the cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.”
The event, organized by the War Memorial of Korea, also featured reading letters of appreciation and a variety of cultural performances.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to view custom-made hanbok dresses (Korean traditional clothing), offering tributes to the 22 nations and proudly presented by representatives, including several spouses and daughters of current UNC personnel.
Today, UNC continues its unbroken commitment to secure a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula by enforcing the Armistice Agreement, facilitating diplomacy with North Korea, and serving as the integrator for multinational forces during crisis or conflict.
Story by Maj. Alexia Croizer
United Nations Command