Gwangju Metropolitan City observed Memorial Day with a solemn ceremony at the Gwangju Park Memorial Tower on June 6th. The event, themed Yesterday they kept yesterday, honored the sacrifices of patriots and their dedication too the nation.

The ceremony commenced with a nationwide moment of silence signaled by a siren. Dignitaries and citizens gathered to pay their respects.

mayor’s Address Highlights Future Growth

Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung delivered a memorial address, emphasizing the significance of the day. Today we have a notable memorial day than any other year on the history of blocking martial law and crossing impeachment and creating a new Korea, he stated.

Mayor kang outlined enterprising plans for Gwangju’s future,including the establishment of an AI center in collaboration with the Lee Jae-myung administration,the creation of a 1 million-pyeong future national industrial complex,and the attraction of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the National Assembly library. He also pledged to guarantee the welfare and honor of the national merit.

Tribute and Remembrance

The ceremony was attended by various veterans’ groups and officials, including Gwangju City Council Chairman, Superintendent Lee jung-sun, and Kim Seok-ki, Director of Gwangju Regional Veterans Affairs Office.

A particularly poignant moment occurred during the reading of Mugunghwa by Kim In-ja,a 78-year-old member of a military bereaved family. Kim In-ja, who lost her father, eldest father, and little father in the Yeosun incident and the Korean War, became emotional while reciting the line, This happiness of today, that’s because you bleed and planted Mugunghwa in all over the place.

Following the reading, the Gwangju City Choir performed Binari and Memorial Song Song. Representatives from various agencies then offered incense at the plaque Bongano, paying tribute to the spirits of the fallen.