Ambassador Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard at the Sejong Center Memorial Concert

October 6, 2001

First, let me thank the Sejong Cultural Center and its director, Mr. Lee Jong-duk, for putting on this wonderful concert to benefit victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11. And I want to also thank the Dong-A Ilbo, the American Chamber of Commerce, and the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry for sponsoring it. I would like to pay special tribute to the distinguished people with whom I have the honor of being here today, especially the First Lady of Korea Madam Lee Hee-ho; Minister of Culture and Tourism Namgoong Jin; General Thomas Schwartz; the Vice Mayor of Seoul, Mr. Kang Hong-bin; the Korean Chamber of Commerce President Park Yong Sung; President of Dong-A Ilbo Mr. Kim Hak Joon; and the American Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tami Overby. And of course let me especially thank the fine performers that the Sejong Cultural Center has assembled here today. This has been a wonderful concert, and I'm looking forward, as I know you are, to another piece by the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

Before we get back to the program, I would like to speak briefly about why we are here today. The last three weeks have been tremendously difficult ones for United States and our friends around the world. We have suffered tremendous losses. We now face a test unlike any we have ever faced. The campaign against international terrorism will be a long and protracted struggle on many fronts. But I can assure you, as President Bush has assured President Kim and other world leaders, that the only possible outcome of this endeavor is victory for the forces of peace and tolerance.

On behalf of President Bush and all Americans, let me say how deeply we have been moved by the outpouring of support and sympathy we have received from the government and people of Korea. Even as the press was reporting the attacks, President Kim and his government spoke out firmly against these cowardly acts. With the support of the Korean National Assembly, the Korean government has made clear its intention to participate in the international coalition against terrorism. I am certain that we will succeed.

The American people deeply appreciate all the Korean people have done in the past three weeks to show their support and solidarity, including this beautiful concert today. We have said time and again since September 11, and I am reminded here again, that friendship is most valuable in a time of need, and Korea has shown that it is truly a friend of the United States. President Bush and the entire American government deeply value our friendship with Korea, and we take comfort in the knowledge that Korea and the United States will stand together now as we have for the past five decades.

Thank you again to everyone who made today's concert possible. This is a very important event, and I am honored to be a part of it. This beautiful music has truly refreshed our soles and strengthened our spirits. Now let me turn the program back over to Mr. Han. Thank you.