Kia Home Game Draws Attention with 'National Merit' Pitching and Batting Ceremony

Gwangju Bohuncheong Hosts 'Month of Patriots and Veterans' Event

In celebration of the Month of Patriots and Veterans, a national merit recipient attracted attention by performing the ceremonial first pitch and first bat at a Kia Tigers game.

According to the Gwangju Regional Veterans Office (Director Jeong Hongsik) on the 8th, Kim Myeongsik, a Korean War veteran, threw the first pitch at the Kia Champions Field where the game between Kia and SSG took place at 6:30 PM the previous day.

Korean War veteran Kim Myung-sik is throwing the first pitch at the game held at Kia Champions Field on the 7th.
[Photo by Gwangju Regional Veterans Office]

Jang Munseok, the son of a Vietnam War veteran and a recipient of the Order of Military Merit, who is currently serving as an officer in the 31st Division, took on the ceremonial first bat.

This event was held to express gratitude and respect to those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves for the country.

Mr. Kim Myeongsik served as a marine during the Korean War and participated in battles such as the Imjingang Battle, receiving the Chungmu Order of Military Merit.

About 1,000 soldiers from the 31st Division attended the event, which included the ceremonial first pitch and first bat, as well as the screening of the 2023 Month of Patriots and Veterans promotional video. The event provided a moment to commemorate and appreciate the patriotic spirits and fallen heroes, and to reflect on the meaning of love for the country.

Director Jeong Hongsik said, “In honor of the Month of Patriots and Veterans in June, we organized this event to never forget the sacrifices of the patriots for the nation and to honor their noble spirit. I hope this becomes an opportunity for all citizens to unite their hearts around patriotism and the spirit of national defense so that their sacrifice and contributions will not be in vain.”