Gwangju Holds Memorial Day Ceremony, Honoring Sacrifice for the Nation

71st Memorial Day Ceremony Held at the Memorial Tower in Gwangju Park
Over 300 Attendees, Including Veterans’ Organizations and Bereaved Families

Gwangju Metropolitan City held a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Tower in Gwangju Park on the occasion of the 71st Memorial Day, honoring the spirits of the patriotic martyrs and fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

On June 6, Gwangju City solemnly held the 71st Memorial Day ceremony at the Memorial Tower in Gwangju Park to pay tribute to those who devoted themselves to the country.

The ceremony was attended by Kang Kijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, Jang Suknam, Head of the Gwangju Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, National Assembly members Yang Bunam, Jeong Jinuk, Jo Incheol, Jeong Junho, Jeon Jinsuk, and Park Gyuntaek, as well as representatives from veterans’ organizations, the April 19 Association, the May 18 Association, bereaved families of fallen soldiers and police officers, disabled veterans, families of patriots, and officials from related institutions, totaling around 300 people.

Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, is saluting the national flag at the 71st Memorial Day Ceremony held in front of the Memorial Tower at Gwangju Park on the 6th. Provided by Gwangju City

Under the theme of "We Will Remember, Record, and Fulfill Our Responsibilities," the ceremony proceeded with a silent tribute, floral tribute and incense offering, commemorative speech, recitation of a memorial poem, memorial performance, singing of the Memorial Day song, and incense offering at the memorial tablet enshrinement hall.

At 10:00 a.m., as the national memorial sirens sounded across the country, attendees observed a moment of silence, followed by floral tributes and incense offerings.

Kim Inja, a member of the bereaved families of fallen soldiers and police officers, recited the memorial poem "The Spirit Becomes a Star," and the Gwangju City Boys and Girls Choir performed "Oh! Danny Boy" as a memorial performance. This was followed by the Gwangju City Choir leading the singing of the Memorial Day song.

To further spread the values of patriotism in everyday life, Gwangju City is promoting the construction of a memorial tower for war veterans. Sangmu Citizens Park has been selected as the candidate site, and a project launch briefing was held on May 19.

During the past four years under the 8th popularly elected administration, Gwangju City has implemented various veterans’ policies, including the phased increase of honor allowances for veterans and war participants, the provision of the Bitgoeul scholarship for descendants of national patriots, the expansion of injury insurance and mental trauma diagnosis benefits for young people serving in the military.

Mayor Kang Kijeong stated, "It is thanks to the martyrs and patriotic souls that the Republic of Korea exists today," adding, "Honoring veterans is about remembering and respecting these sacrifices and dedication, thereby strengthening the foundation of our community." He went on to say, "I hope that the cornerstones laid for veterans’ policies and the development of Gwangju over the past four years will continue unwaveringly as Gwangju and Jeonnam move towards becoming a unified special city."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.