41st Anniversary Soon, Continuous Visits to 5·18 Minju Cemetery in the Rain... "We Will Not Forget"

On the morning of the 16th, two days before the 41st anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, visitors continued to arrive at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery to pay their respects.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] “We will remember, May 18.”

At around 9 a.m. on the 16th at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, visitors came early in the morning to pay their respects on the weekend.

Due to the rain that started the day before, the clothes of the visitors honoring the spirits of the May 18 martyrs were wet. They did not mind.

Another visitor entered the cemetery holding a child's hand tightly, lowering their head with a solemn expression.

Two days before the 41st anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, despite the bad weather, visitors from all over the country continued to come to the May 18 Democratic Cemetery.

Colorful ribbons bearing the footprints of the visitors were hung all the way to the parking lot at the entrance of the May 18 Democratic Cemetery. Handwritten messages on the ribbons such as “We will not forget the spirit of May” and “We will remember, thank you” conveyed the sincere hearts of the visitors.

A couple who came here were busy writing memorial messages on yellow ribbons. The couple, who visit the cemetery every year around this time, said the difference this year was that their children could not join them.

The couple said, “Strangely, it has rained every year when we visit this place, and today is no exception. It feels like the sky is mourning. We remember the times we hung ribbons with our children who could not come today, so we put our family’s feelings into the ribbon again today.”

On the morning of the 16th, a citizen visiting the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery is writing a memorial message on a ribbon.

Visitors also came from places like Suwon and Busan. A progressive youth group that came as a group using a chartered bus paid respects at the graves of laborers and honorees who passed away at a young age.

Despite the sudden heavy rain, visitors were often seen bowing in silent prayer or clasping their hands together at various spots in the cemetery.

Gwak Hyun-ah (48, female) from Busan, who came along the dawn road, said, “It has already been five years since I decided to visit and pay tribute in person,” adding, “Seeing the cemetery in person is heartbreaking. I will never forget the noble spirit of the innocent citizens who sacrificed for democracy,” with tears welling up in her eyes.

Mr. Park, who introduced himself as a national merit recipient, visited the May 18 Democratic Cemetery with an acquaintance. When the rain poured heavily, they headed toward the graveyard of the missing persons, which seemed particularly lonely.

He said, “I think the raindrops falling are the tears of the victims who went missing during the May 18 Uprising,” and added, “I thought I should at least comfort their spirits.”

At the May 18 Democratic Cemetery, the 41st anniversary May 18 commemorative ceremony is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. on the 18th. Under the theme “Our May,” it plans to deliver a message of national unity to globalize and nationalize the spirit of May 18.