The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is set to host a future generation exchange event in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. This event will bring together descendants of Korean War veterans and history teachers from both South Korea and the United States.
The Department has announced a six-day, four-night UN Participating Countries Future Generation Overseas Exchange Camp scheduled from August 4 to 9.
This event, now in its 17th year since its inception in 2009, aims to pass on the legacy of bonds forged during the Korean War to future generations while strengthening friendly cooperation with participating nations.
The camp will welcome a total of 70 participants, including 20 outstanding attendees from last month’s domestic exchange camp, 14 descendants and students of U.S. veterans, and 36 educators from both South Korea and the United States.
On Wednesday, participants will attend the World Congress, a gathering of history teachers from participating countries. Here, they will share educational resources on the Korean War developed by teachers from various nations. Descendants, students, and educators will also engage in discussions about these materials and their future development.
The group will participate in the 2026 International Veterans Conference on August 6, hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This conference will focus on discussing exchange and cooperation strategies for veterans’ policies with the United Nations (UN) participating countries. Attendees will also present the outcomes of the domestic exchange camp and showcase examples of Korean War education and outreach efforts.
Later that day, the participants will pay their respects at the Wall of Remembrance in the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This solemn site bears the names of U.S. and South Korean soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.
On August 7, the group will explore iconic American landmarks, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the Smithsonian Museum. This tour will offer insights into the history of American independence and the Korean War, as well as the fundamental values of freedom, equality, and human rights.
Minister Kwon Oh-eul expressed his hopes for the exchange camp, stating that it will provide a meaningful opportunity for young descendants from both nations to forge deep friendships. He anticipates that these experiences will help them grow into strong pillars of a future alliance, one that continues to uphold the values of freedom and peace that their forebears fought to defend.