Peruvian Embassy celebrates Air Force Day
The Peruvian Embassy and Defense and Air Attache Martin Gonzalez Leon hosted a reception to mark the 76th anniversary of the immolation of national hero Captain FAP Jose Abelardo Quinones Gonzales, Great General of the Air of Peru and Peruvian Air Force Day, at the Ministry of Defense of Korea Army Club in Seoul on July 21.
Peruvian Ambassador Jaime Pomareda Montenegro, military and diplomatic authorities and civilians attended.
A message from the General Commander of the Peruvian Air Force was read, in which he greeted and congratulated all Peruvian Air Force personnel and remembered Quinones’ sacrifice at the age of 27.
The General Commander also exhorted his personnel to remember this feat, and the teachings of detachment and love for his homeland that Quinones left.
Gonzalez highlighted the memory of Quinones, as the ultimate hero of Peruvian aviation, who died on July 23, 1941 in Quebrada Seca, when he was hit by anti-aircraft fire when he flew his plane into machine-gun fire.
The Peruvian government declared him a national hero and instituted the Peruvian Air Force Day.
Gonzalez also pointed out that people who died in the service of their homeland had made it possible for today’s Air Force to have highly qualified personnel committed to fulfilling their assigned mission, always respecting the principles of personal integrity, vocation of service and professional excellence.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of this celebration, which had a national and international presence, helping to strength- en ties at different levels as was this case with Korea.
He also highlighted the co-production of 20 KT-1P training aircraft, as well as various academic programs in which Peruvian Air Force officers and cadets are involved with the University of Defense Korea, Joint University of the Armed Forces, Korean Air Force Academy, and Korean Defense Language Institute.
Peru also participates in activities such as the ROKAF Academy International Week, the Korean Technical Coordination Group and the Safety Management Group conferences.