Songpa-gu Hosts Memorial Event for June 25 War Veterans
On the 18th, a gratitude and consolation gathering held for over 80 June 25 veterans... Dedicated efforts to expand veterans' welfare
Annual 300,000 KRW consolation payment for June 25 veterans, new funeral support program to start in 2024
"It has been over 90 years since the boy soldiers of 74 years ago, but the descendants will forever remember the value of liberal democracy that the veterans protected with their youth. We will give the highest honors to every last one of the national heroes who achieved freedom and prosperity on this land, ensuring they receive proper compensation during their lifetime."
Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) held a "National Hero Appreciation and Consolation Gathering" organized by the Songpa-gu branch of the Korean War Veterans Association on the 18th at the district office auditorium, ahead of the 74th anniversary of the Korean War, to express gratitude for the noble sacrifice of the veterans.
As Mayor Seo mentioned in his opening remarks, the number of veterans, which was 472 in 2022, has decreased every year, leaving only 328 as of two years later. With the launch of the 8th local government administration, the district established the "Korean War Veterans Consolation Fund Payment System" to repay the national heroes who devoted their youth for the country, providing 300,000 KRW annually on June 25th and striving to expand veterans' welfare.
The consolation gathering held that day was a special event prepared by the district, prioritizing the respect for veterans, inviting about 80 national heroes including members of the Korean War Veterans Association and heads of veterans' organizations in the area, to reflect on the spirit of patriotism and express respect and gratitude.
The venerable veterans with white hair watched Korean War footage and sang military songs in unison, recalling the meaning of national defense. After the event, they shared a lunch prepared by the district and exchanged their thoughts after a long time.
Following the commendation of exemplary national veterans, Choi Eun-seok, chairman of the Songpa-gu branch of the Korean War Veterans Association and a volunteer Korean War student soldier, gave a commemorative speech. He began by expressing gratitude to the district for organizing such a heartfelt event with sincere honors, and reminded the descendants, "We have overcome the tragedy of fratricidal war at the brink of life and death to enjoy today's glory. There must never be killing on this land again."
On the 13th, the district also held the "Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival," featuring a commemorative ceremony, war food experience, and various performances, providing a joyful and meaningful time for about 1,000 attendees including national veterans and their families.
In addition, starting this year, the district has newly implemented the "National Veterans Funeral Support Project" to further promote veterans' culture. This service supports funeral directors and funeral supplies for the families of national veterans who passed away while residing in the area, reflecting the district's firm commitment to remember and honor the veterans until the very end of their lives.
Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, emphasized, "Respecting those who sacrificed for the country is not something to be applauded but something that must be done," and added, "We will expand appropriate welfare support measures for those who gave their lives for the Republic of Korea, which enjoys human rights, freedom, and prosperity today."
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