Sen. Cruz: South Korea Celebrates Freedom Today, One Day North Korea Will Too
Recognizes Korea's Liberation Day and the importance of East Asian alliances
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement, observing the 71st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day and calling for continued U.S. efforts to strengthen alliances with South Korea and Japan, including supporting all cooperative efforts to deploy South Korea’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries:
“As we mark the 71st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, we do so under precarious conditions. Since January of this year, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has detonated a nuclear warhead and conducted multiple tests of ballistic missiles capable of reaching our allies, our forward-deployed forces, and possibly even the United States. Although both North and South Korea mark this public holiday, the northern regime has sought to subjugate its southern neighbor under Marxist despotism for over six decades. South Korea has every right to take necessary action to protect itself, including the deployment of robust missile defenses. The United States stands with our friend and support all cooperative efforts to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries at the earliest possible occasion.
“America also welcomes the growing defense cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States, evidenced particularly by the trilateral Pacific Dragon missile defense exercise in June. The U.S. alliances with both these countries are the lynchpin not only of East Asian security, but also for the survival of liberty in the region, which is threatened by oppressive Communist regimes.”
Sen. Cruz also sent the following message to those in North Korea who continue to live under a reign of terror and tyranny:
“On August 15, 1945, a united Korea emerged from the scourge of World War II liberated and free. I join with you in celebrating this 71st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day. As a citizen of a nation that also fought for independence, I know the pride that you must take in your accomplishment.
“And yet, I confess that my heart breaks today. It breaks for the piece of your country that has been subjected to Marxist tyranny for 68 years. It breaks for the Koreans who saw their precious liberty snatched from their grasp so quickly after winning it. And my heart breaks for all those who today live under a modern reign of terror.
“Even so, I am reminded of the Psalmist’s words from Scripture: ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’ The American people respect your tenacious courage in the face of darkness. Each of you shine like a light of hope to the world, and today I bring you this simple message:
“America stands with you.
“The day will come when, together, we will mark a new Korean Liberation Day – one where unity and freedom are long and lasting.
“May God bless each of you.”
###
