Because the Korean War ended where it began geographically¹, some ended up using the phrase “Die for a Tie” to describe the sacrifices of those who fought here.  But as we look around in this thriving democracy and its grateful, hopeful citizens, one thing is clear:  This was no tie.  This was victory. (Hoaa!)  (Applause.) 

This was a victory then, and it is a victory today.  And 60 years later, a friendship that was forged in a war has become an alliance that has led to greater security and untold² progress -- not only in the Republic of Korea, but throughout Asia.  That is something that everyone here can be extraordinarily³ proud of.

Now, it’s also a reminder⁴ of what still lies on the other side of the 38th Parallel.  Today, the Korean Peninsula provides the world’s clearest contrast between a society that is open and a society that is closed; between a nation that is dynamic（动态的） and growing, and a government that would rather starve（饿死） its people than change.  It’s a contrast that’s so stark⁵ you can see it from space, as the brilliant lights of Seoul give way to the utter darkness of the North.

This is not an accident of history. This is a direct result of the path that’s been taken by North Korea -- a path of confrontation⁶ and provocation⁷（挑衅，激怒） ; one that includes the pursuit of nuclear weapons and the attack on the Cheonan last March. 

And in the wake of this aggression⁸, Pyongyang should not be mistaken:  The United States will never waver in our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea.  We will not waver.  (Huaa!)  (Applause.) 

The alliance between our two nations has never been stronger, and along with the rest of the world, we’ve made it clear that the North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons will only lead to more isolation⁹ and less security for them.

There is another path available to North Korea.  If they choose to fulfill¹⁰ their international obligations and commitments to the international community, they will have the chance to offer their people lives of growing opportunity instead of crushing（压倒的，决定性的） poverty -- a future of greater security and greater respect; a future that includes the prosperity and opportunity available to citizens on this end of the Korean Peninsula.

Until that day comes, the world can take comfort in knowing that the men and women of the United States armed forces are standing¹¹ watch on freedom’s frontier.  (Hoaa!)  In doing so, you carry on the legacy¹² of service and sacrifice that we saw from those who landed here all those years ago.  It’s a legacy we honor and cherish on this Veterans Day.

At the Korean War Memorial in Washington, there’s a plaque¹³（匾） right near the inscription¹⁴（题词，铭文） that lists the number of Americans who were killed, wounded, missing in action, and held as prisoners of war.  And it says:  “Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.”

A country they never knew and a people they never met.  I know of no better words to capture the selflessness and generosity¹⁵ of every man or woman who has ever worn the uniform of the United States of America.  At a time when it has never been more tempting¹⁶ or accepted to pursue narrow self-interest and personal ambition（野心，雄心） , all of you here remind us that there are few things that are more fundamentally American than doing what we can to make a difference in the lives of others.

And that’s why you’ll always be the best that America has to offer the world.  And that is why people who never met you, who never knew you, will always be grateful to the friend and ally they found in the United States of America. 

So thank you for your service.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.  Thank you.