This article discusses the theme of patriots and veterans affairs from the
perspectives of protection of freedom and promotion of human security beyond the
existing nation state-centric patriotism and loyalty. The protection of freedom
takes on the value of common good in that it brings a peaceful world order
through security of people. In connection with this discussion, this article posits
the concepts of both patriots and veterans affairs and security belonging to the
category of what W. B. Gallie calls "essentially contested concepts", for the value
of patriotism and veterans affairs should focus on the protection of freedom as a
precondition of nation state-centrism. The emergence of alternative security
concepts, including human security, global security, comprehensive security,
justifies this argument. Seen from this perspective, it is justified for the policy of
patriots and veterans affairs to pay attention to the people and their family
members who sacrificed themselves for the sake of democratic advancement of the
country including April Revolution and Kwangju Democracy Movement in Korea.
In addition, it is necessary for South Korea to make an active participation in the
UN peace-keeping operations and to reward those people who lost their lives or
were severely injured in the process of such operations and their family members.