Detail

`To meet the growing need for the strengthening of the nation`s self­reliand defense posture, following the abortive attempt by north Korean Communist infiltrators on January 21, 1968, and the hijacking of the U.S.S. Peublo and her crew a few days later, the Homeland Reserve Forces were activated on April 1. 1968. More than 3,000,000 H.R.F. members, who are determined to thwart Communist plots and to contribute to the accomplishment of the October Revitalizing Reforms, have helped solidify the pan­national defense posture and become a strong deterrent against the continuous Communist provocations such as the digging of underground tunnels for reinvasion of South Korea and the brutal hatchet slaughter of U.S. Army officers on August 18, 1976. As the nation observes the 9th anniversary of the H.R.F. this year, the H.R.F. members are undergoing intensive military drills and are ready for the call­up in the event of national emergency, fulfilling their sublime responsibilities. On the other hand, they sacrifice themselves with zeal and vitality for the cause of the economic devloment of our homland and of the Saemaul(New Community) Movement. Thus, they are playing a vital role as standard­bearers of the October Revitalizing Reforms by carrying out their two­fold duties: to work and to fight. Paying a high tribute to the H.R.F. Members for their devoted service for the defense of our homeland as well as for the natinal development, and hoping that the entire people will come to cooperate with the H.R.F. wholeheartedly, the Ministry of Communications is issuing this commemorative postage stamp.`