Honoring Faith and Sacrifice: Knights of Columbus Lead Memorial Day Tribute at UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan
- Rufino Bartolome Flores, Jr
- Aug 3
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Memorial Day Pilgrimage to the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan
The Knights of Columbus from both the Bishop John J. Kaising Council 14223 and Bishop Joseph W. Eastabrook Assembly 3348 at Camp Humphreys planned, prepared, and conducted a Memorial Day Remembrance Trip to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea. The event took place on Monday, 26 May 2025, in honor of Memorial Day. This particular Patriotic Tribute not only included the Knights of Columbus from Camp Humphreys, Korea, but also the Knights of Columbus from Osan Air Base, as well as families from the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Community who attend Mass regularly at both Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base.
Honoring Heroes at the UN Memorial Cemetery: A Tradition of Remembrance
To understand the deeper significance of this tribute, it's important to reflect on the role and history of the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. This trip was not the first time the Knights of Columbus have conducted this Patriotic Tribute to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea. Since its establishment in 2007, members of the military council on the Korean Peninsula have paid tribute there annually. The significance of paying homage to this cemetery lies in its status as the only United Nations Memorial Cemetery outside the Continental United States of America; in fact, it is the only one in the world. There are approximately 2,300 military service members laid to rest in the cemetery that participated in the Korean War from 22 different countries. For American Service Members serving on the Korean Peninsula, there are 40 Korean War Veterans buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. Of the 40 American Veterans, 13 were Catholic, and one was a Knight of Columbus. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery pays tribute to all nations participating in the Korean War. There are over twenty-nine memorials, of which the most prominent is the Wall of Remembrance, which contains all the names of the fallen Service Members who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Korean Peninsula.
The Legacy of U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun
The significance of this year’s event was also driven by the renaming of the Freedom Chapel at Camp Humphreys, Korea, to the Emil Kapaan Chapel on Thursday, 05 June 2025.
“I believe it’s absolutely fitting to memorialize this chapel in his honor, where our Catholic congregation gathers to worship. Chaplain Kapaun’s story is one of personal courage, faith in God, and love of his fellow Soldiers.” ~ Col. Ryan Workman shared at the renaming ceremony.
U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun served during the Korean War and died in a North Korean prison camp. Known for his heroic deeds both in combat and as a prisoner of war, Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2013. In 2025, Pope Francis declared him Venerable on the path toward canonization. At the UN Memorial Cemetery, his name is one of 40,896 names engraved on the Wall of Remembrance that pays tribute to the Service Members who fought and died under the United Nations umbrella in defense of the Korean Peninsula. Securing an etching of his name for display in the newly dedicated Kapaun Chapel at Camp Humphreys was a key task for the Council.
Planning a Memorial Tribute to the UN Memorial Cemetery
In preparation for this Patriotic Tribute, three months of detailed coordination ensured broad participation and smooth execution. As the largest Catholic Community overseas, securing dates and times for the entire Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Community is challenging. Therefore, having a detailed plan that included a concept with a series of events leading to the Patriotic Tribute was essential. The plan was approved by the U.S. Army Chaplain (Maj.) Bernadino Yebra, and delivered to the Religious Support Office of Camp Humphreys two months before the event to facilitate resourcing.
One month before the event, we began promoting it to Catholic Families from both Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base to attend. Attendance included transportation, one night at the Commodore Hotel in Busan, and a Prayer Breakfast before the Patriotic Tribute. Eighty-seven Catholics from the community signed up for the trip to Busan, Korea, and over one hundred and ten Catholics across the peninsula participated in the Patriotic Tribute at the UN Memorial Cemetery.
The Journey to Busan and Arrival at the UN Memorial Cemetery
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan is a four-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Camp Humphreys. Movement from Camp Humphreys commenced at 2:00 PM on Sunday, 25 May, allowing Catholic families to attend Mass at both Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. Following the conclusion of Mass at Osan, families made the approximately forty-minute drive to Camp Humphreys. After regrouping, the group departed for the Busan area to begin the Memorial Day pilgrimage.
The group spent one night at the Commodore Hotel in Busan, then gathered the next morning for a Prayer Breakfast before traveling to the UN Memorial Cemetery. Following breakfast, the group made its way to the UN Memorial Cemetery to begin the formal remembrance activities. Upon arrival at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, the participating members of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Community were met with kindness by the United States representative at the UN Memorial Cemetery, who invited the group into the Memorial Service Hall. Inside the Memorial Service Hall, participating Catholics received an orientation and introduction to the UN Memorial Cemetery.
Key Tasks of the Memorial Day Tribute at the UN Memorial Cemetery
The Patriotic Tribute had four key tasks for the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Family members. The first of four key tasks was a formal Wreath Laying Ceremony at the highest point of the cemetery, where all the nations’ flags stood tall together. It was there that one of the long-standing Knights, Sir Knight Mark Smith and his wife, Seo Kyung Smith, respectfully laid the first of two wreaths at the base of the flag of the United States of America.
Upon conclusion of the formal wreath-laying ceremony, participants began the second key task. They placed American Flags at the gravesites of the American Service Members. Once complete, the group paused for the first of two group photos and conducted a procession to the American Monument at the base of the hill, where Chaplain (Maj.) Bernardino Yebra conducted the third key task and blessed the second wreath and the children before the wreath was placed at the base of the monument. The second group photo was taken at the steps near the American Monument overlooking the UN Forces Monument, where the Unknown Soldiers buried at the UN Cemetery are honored.
After completing the group photo near the American Monument, participants turned their attention to the next solemn task, placing American Flags at the remaining American Service Member gravesites. Next, the group of Catholics made its way to the Wall of Remembrance to complete the fourth key task of finding U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun’s name is inscribed on the monument. Using tracing paper, they carefully made an etching of his name in preparation for the upcoming renaming of the home chapel at Camp Humphreys, Korea. The group then made its way to the United Nations Memorabilia Hall before the conclusion of this Patriotic Tribute.
From the UN Memorial Cemetery to the Emil Kapaun Chapel Dedication
The mission did not end with the conclusion of the Patriot Tribute but rather with the renaming Ceremony of Freedom Chapel to the Emil Kapaun Chapel on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The U.S. military recognizes Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun as one of nine service members to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. More importantly, to Catholics, he is one step closer to Sainthood. The chapel’s dedication marked a fitting conclusion to the Memorial Day trip, underscoring its themes of remembrance, reflection, and faith.
Learn More: Honoring Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun and His Legacy
For readers who want to dive deeper into the story of U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun and the values that inspired this Memorial Day tribute, the following external resources provide rich historical context, documentary footage, and updates on his path to sainthood:
Knights of Columbus Documentary: “The Story of Father Kapaun”
Watch this inspiring film produced by the Knights of Columbus, highlighting Father Kapaun’s heroism, faith, and lasting legacy.
Explore the official site for the Father Kapaun Guild, offering detailed biographical information, cause for canonization updates, and ways to support the mission.
U.S. Army Medal of Honor: Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun
Visit the U.S. Army's official Medal of Honor page to learn more about Chaplain Kapaun’s military service and his courageous acts during the Korean War.
Explore More: Korean War History and Memorials on the Peninsula
Continue your journey through Korea’s military history and remembrance efforts by exploring these related articles from United on the RoK Magazine:
75 Years Later: Honoring the UN Forces’ First Battle in Korea at Osan
A powerful reflection on the first clash between UN and North Korean forces during the Korean War.
Along the Nakdong River: Korean War Memorials in Chilgok-gun County
Visit memorials that line the historic Nakdong River battlefield and discover how local communities remember their role in the conflict.
The 75th Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemorating a milestone in Korean and global military history, this article provides context for the war’s legacy and its impact on today’s peninsula.
Canadian Valor: Honoring Canadian Soldiers in the Korean War, 75 Years Later
A tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Canadian troops who fought alongside UN forces during the Korean War.
Source
United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. (n.d.). United on the ROK. United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. https://www.unmck.or.kr/eng
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Glad to be a part of it.