SEOUL — For the first time, South Korea’s military held a retirement ceremony for a U.S. general officer.

Gen. Kwon Young-ki, commander, Second Republic of Korea Army and Combined Rear Area coordinator, held the ceremony Friday in Daegu for U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Charles L. Rosenfeld, deputy Combined Rear Area coordinator, ROK-US Combined Forces Command.

Hundreds of soldiers attended.

“First of all, on behalf of all Koreans, I would like to express appreciation and congratulations for your honorable retirement and effort you made so far,” Kwon said in his speech.

“Although you are leaving the military, please keep Republic of Korea … in your heart forever.”

Rosenfeld, who retired after 37 years of service — the last eight in South Korea — told the crowd he “can think of no better place to conclude a military career than in front of those who you most respect for their courage and dedication, professionalism, virtue and integrity and who will continue your legacy.”

He said some of his most treasured memories are the “visions of progress that I have witnessed in this country.”

“Despite the diversity of our cultures, languages and backgrounds, we share a common heritage, a love of freedom and the will to defend it,” Rosenfeld said. “We have worked on through seemingly endless hours, shivered in the cold night air, marched on through mud or dust and forged a bond that can never be broken.”

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