"Honoring the Heroes Who Protected the Nation"... Songpa-gu Holds Veterans' Families Festival

'2024 Month of Patriots and Veterans Commemoration Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival' Held at Seoul Nori Madang on the 13th
6.25 War Medal of Honor Passed to Families After 70 Years, 20 Exemplary National Veterans Awardees Receive District Mayor Commendations
District Mayor Seogangseok: "We Will Never Forget the Sacrifice and Dedication of Patriots Who Created Korea's Freedom and Prosperity"

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) held the 'Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival' on the 13th to commemorate the noble spirit of sacrifice of the patriotic martyrs and war veterans in honor of the Month of Patriots and Veterans in June, and to repay the dedication of national veterans and their families.

The 'Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival' was held at Seoul Nori Madang on the same day, hosted by the Songpa-gu Veterans Hall Operation Council, with about 1,000 participants including national veterans and families from nine veterans organizations in the region. The event proceeded in the order of ▲pre-ceremony performance ▲Month of Patriots and Veterans commemorative ceremony ▲celebratory performances ▲side events.

In particular, the event added significance to the commemorative ceremony honoring the noble spirit of sacrifice of the patriotic martyrs by holding a medal handover ceremony, returning the military merit medals of Korean War heroes to their bereaved families after 70 years.

First, the Museong Hwarang Military Merit Medals were awarded posthumously to the families of Yang Geun-sik, Lee Su-bang, and Kim Baek-woon, Korean War military merit recipients who were decided to receive medals during the Korean War but never actually received them.

Lee Hee-chang, son of the medal recipient Lee Su-bang, who received the medal on his behalf, said, “My father’s sacrifice and dedication, who devoted his youth for the freedom of the country, deeply touch my heart. I had only heard about it verbally until now, but now that the country recognizes his contribution, I feel great pride and gratitude.”

Next, Mayor Seo presented commendations to 20 exemplary national veterans in the region, expressing gratitude and respect for their sacrifice and dedication to the country.

In his greeting, Mayor Seo Gang-seok emphasized, “It is because of the sacrifice of the patriotic heroes who protected the country at the cost of their lives that we enjoy freedom and prosperity today. We will steadfastly uphold the values of liberal democracy that they sought to protect.”

Also, all members of the veterans organizations together shouted the three cheers of “Long live the Republic of Korea!”, “Long live Songpa-gu!”, and “Long live the national veterans!” to reflect on the meaning of the Month of Patriots and Veterans.

Additionally, the district provided special side events such as fusion Korean traditional music and trot performances, magic shows, a Nanta performance by members of the bereaved families of war casualties, war weapon exhibitions, war food experiences, and health checkups, offering enjoyable and meaningful moments to the veterans families.

Meanwhile, to express gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of the patriotic martyrs during the Month of Patriots and Veterans in June, the district plans to hold the 74th Korean War Commemoration Ceremony on the 18th and provide consolation money to Korean War veterans on the 25th.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “As we observe the Month of Patriots and Veterans, I hope that a culture of honoring veterans, where national veterans’ sacrifice and dedication are deeply engraved in our hearts and their families can take pride, will spread. We will do our best to improve welfare appropriately with deep respect and gratitude for those who have dedicated themselves to the country.”