Freedom's Frontier--Extract From US Forces Korea Press Release
(Yongsan Garrison, Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 16, 2006)

"1. The U.S. remains committed to the defense and future of the Republic of Korea.
For nearly 60 years, the ROK and U.S. have stood shoulder to shoulder in an Alliance bound by common ideals. We have remained steadfastly committed to our unique relationship that was forged in the crucible of war. By every measure of commitment which continues to include putting the lives of our Servicemembers and US families in harms way, positioning of the world’s most capable and technologically advanced military, and growing economic partnerships, the US remains resolutely pledged to the future of democracy of Korea and security of this Peninsula.
Over the years, we have stationed well-trained, well-equipped forces here, sending hundreds of thousands of American Service members away from their homes and families in the United States to serve steadfastly alongside our ROK partners.
Regardless of any economic hardship in the U.S. or competing demands for our military forces around the world, we have never wavered in our commitment to the ROK-US Alliance or to the Korean people. As long as the Republic of Korea wants us here, we will remain steadfastly by its side.
For more than 50 years, our alliance has represented a vital partnership for both our nations — one that has secured the Republic of Korea, created conditions for a modern democracy, inspired an economic miracle, and served as an example for freedom loving people around the world. The Republic of Korea is a free and democratic sovereign nation, whose people are prosperous and enjoy the fruits of this great land.

"2. The ROK-U.S. Alliance was established and nurtured with the blood of patriots of both countries.
In war and through the crucible of combat, the partnership between the Republic of Korea and the United States was born, bound by common ideals. It remains today — a partnership unlike any other in the world.
In the aftermath of the ashes of the Korean War, the U.S. made a long term commitment to the Republic of Korea’s defense, and to its development as a modern nation. Over the past 55 years, the United States has lived up to this promise to maintain “U.S. Boots on the Ground, on the Sea, and in the Air” to guarantee democracy for the citizens of this nation, at considerable cost to the U.S. and the American people.
Through our combined efforts inside of Combined Forces Command, the ROK-U.S. Alliance has created the most powerful combined warfighting team in the world."

(Posted 7/16/06)