Former Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Kim Dae-jung presented a plaque of appreciation to the Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of the May 18 Democratic Movement Memorial Day in California, USA. Photo by Jeonnam Office of Education
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Kim Dae-jung, Superintendent of Education of Jeonnam, encouraged the California 5·18 Democratic Movement Memorial Day Establishment Preparatory Committee, who visited Gwangju on the 15th, and presented a plaque of appreciation.
The "California Memorial Day Establishment Preparatory Committee" is composed of members from various fields including U.S. and Korean lawmakers, social organizations, and businesspeople. Since February, they have worked to promote a resolution and establish the memorial day, and on August 8, the California State Legislature enacted and proclaimed the 5·18 Democratic Movement Memorial Day as law.
Superintendent Kim highly evaluated the committee’s contribution to globalizing the spirit of Gwangju and establishing the status of Korean democracy, laying the foundation for global citizenship education, and awarded plaques of appreciation to Na Eun-sook, Bae Seok-jun, U.S. deputy representatives, and Ryu Han-sang, Korean co-chairman of the preparatory committee.
Superintendent Kim said, “I express my respect and gratitude to the preparatory committee for contributing to widely publicizing the history and value of 5·18 to the world,” and added, “I hope that the 5·18 Democratic Movement of the Republic of Korea will be known to youth worldwide so that they become citizens who practice the May spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace in their daily lives.”
The "California Memorial Day Establishment Preparatory Committee" presented Superintendent Kim with a framed resolution and carried out their Gwangju visit schedule, including paying respects at the Gwangju National 5·18 Cemetery and exploring historic sites.
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