Eighth Army participates in Ground Forces Festival
By Master Sgt. Gary L. Qualls Jr.
From Eighth Army G-7
GYERYONG, South Korea - The Republic of Korea Ground Festival Forces Festival is one of the largest and most unique military exhibitions in the world.
GYERYONG, South Korea (Oct. 10, 2012) - The Republic of Korea Ground Festival Forces Festival is one of the largest and most unique military exhibitions in the world. Children take a closer look at a Surface to Air Missile Launcher during the 2012 Republic of Korea Ground Forces Festival in Gyeryong. (Photo by Pfc. Hong Dongkyun, Eighth Army Public Affairs)
Military and civic dignitaries, celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds and people of all ages were on hand to observe and participate in the expositions, enjoy musical entertainment and martial art demonstrations and learn more about the spectrum of military life.
The purpose of the festival, which features 280 booths and state of the art weapons systems of both U.S. and ROK forces, is to give the public an understanding and appreciation of the military past, present and future, said ROK Col. Kim Ki-ho, chief of the ROK Ground Forces 2012 Planning Group.
"This event helps us to gain the overall support of the Korean people. It lets our people know how strong, yet friendly we are," Kim said.
The festival runs through Oct. 14 and is free to the public. The event has enjoyed great popularity in the past drawing over 1 million people each of the last two years. An estimated 1.3 million people are expected to attend this year, Kim said.
— USPACOM (posted October 15, 2012) —