Mayor Lee Sang-il: "I Will Carry On the Spirit of Unity and Honoring Veterans" ... Memorial Day Ceremony Held

Yongin Holds Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Tower
Over 1,000 Gather to Pay Tribute: Wreath-Laying, Incense Offering, and Memorial Performance
Mayor Lee: "Let Us Unite Our Efforts for Yongin's Development"

Yongin Special City in Gyeonggi Province held the 71st Memorial Day Ceremony on June 6 at the Memorial Tower in Yongin Central Park, Kimryangjang-dong, Cheoin-gu, honoring the noble spirit of sacrifice shown by the nation's fallen patriots and defenders.

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City, is delivering a commemorative speech at the 71st Memorial Day Ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Yongin Central Park, Kimryangjang-dong, Cheoin-gu on the 6th. Provided by Yongin City

Over 1,000 people attended the ceremony, including Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City; Eugene Sun, Chairperson of the Yongin Special City Council; local members of the National Assembly; city and provincial councilors; party chapter heads; representatives from veterans' and national security organizations; national merit recipients; and local citizens.

The ceremony began at exactly 10 a.m. with a one-minute silent tribute to the fallen heroes, observed nationwide as sirens sounded. This was followed by a wreath-laying and incense offering, a commemorative address, a memorial performance, and the singing of the Memorial Day song.

During the memorial performance, a male vocal ensemble consisting of tenor Kim Giyong, baritone Na Yuseok, and bass Song Sangdo performed the song "Bimok" and "Jangbuga," a number from the musical "Hero," paying tribute to the spirits of unknown soldiers who gave their lives for the nation.

In his commemorative address, Mayor Lee stated, "We must forever engrave in our hearts the fact that the Republic of Korea and Yongin as they are today exist thanks to the sacrifices of our ancestors, and we must carry on their legacy through our actions." He also expressed his gratitude to veterans' families and related officials for joining together to honor the noble spirit of the fallen patriots and defenders.

He added, "This year, this ceremony holds even greater significance as it comes right after elections that sparked conflict due to differing viewpoints. Now more than ever, we must unite our hearts and minds for the development of Korea and Yongin, and for the improvement of citizens' quality of life."

Mayor Lee further stated, "I believe that what the fallen patriots and defenders truly wish for is for the people and the citizens to come together and create a better future. I will do my utmost to communicate with citizens and work for the development of Yongin."

He also emphasized the importance of spreading the value of remembrance, saying, "Let us not limit our remembrance of our forebears' sacrifices to just Memorial Day, but live each day of the year with gratitude and respect for their service."

The Kimryangjang-dong area, where the ceremony was held, is a historically significant site. During the Korean War, the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Regiment of the Republic of Korea Army conducted a surprise operation here to block the southward advance of the North Korean forces, known as the "Kimryangjang Battle." In January of the following year, the first brigade of the Turkish Army faced Chinese forces and claimed victory in a second battle at Kimryangjang, further cementing the area's historical importance.

To commemorate this history and honor the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, Yongin City holds a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Memorial Tower every year.

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City, is laying a wreath at the 71st Memorial Day Ceremony. Courtesy of Yongin City

Meanwhile, in recognition of June as the month of patriotic remembrance, the city is working to instill a spirit of gratitude among citizens by promoting the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' slogan, "Warm and heartfelt patriotism, growing smiles today, spreading gratitude," through social media, the city's official website, and banners. On June 25, a commemorative event marking the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and the 72nd anniversary of the Armistice Agreement will be held at the Ace Hall in City Hall.

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