By Kang Seung-woo

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has launched a weeklong event inviting descendants of U.N. Korean War veterans to show the nation's appreciation for their parents or grandparents' sacrifice and to maintain positive ties.

According to the ministry, Monday, the launching ceremony for the 2022 Peace Camp was held on the day at the training institute of KB Securities in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, for a seven-day run until Sunday.

The annual program, established in 2009, carries extra significance given that it is being held in person at full scale for the first time in three years due to COVID-19. It was canceled in 2020 and held in a hybrid format last year.

The event features 48 descendants of U.N. soldiers from 13 countries residing in Korea, and 50 descendants of Korean-born veterans. The 13 nations are the United States, Britain, Canada, Turkey, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, India, Sweden and Italy.

During the camp, the participants will visit historic sites of Korea to become acquainted with the contributions and achievements of their forebears. They will also travel to the demilitarized zone and the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan.

"It is very important to pass on the precious bonds formed by war to future generations," Veterans Affairs Minister Park Min-shik said.

"The ministry is set to try its best to assume the role through various programs."