Busan Gijang-gun Holds Patriots and Veterans Appreciation Festival... Leaving Lasting Impressions and Memories

Over 1,000 County Residents Participate, Successfully Concluding with Shared Appreciation for the Value of Patriots and Veterans

Gijang County in Busan (Governor Jung Jongbok) successfully held the '1st Gijang County Patriots and Veterans Appreciation Festival' on the 22nd near the Dahengbokhan General Social Welfare Center, honoring the noble spirit of national heroes.

This appreciation festival is the first of its kind in Busan, organized by a local government for veterans. The event was made even more meaningful by the participation of not only all veterans' organizations in Gijang County but also local residents.

In addition, the Gijang County Council, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Busan Association of Social Workers Gijang Branch, Gijang Regional Self-Sufficiency Center, Gijang County Urban Management Corporation, and Gijang County Volunteer Center participated and supported the event.

The event was attended by over 1,000 people, including Governor Jung Jongbok, National Assembly member Chung Dongman, Gijang County Council Chair Park Usik, Busan Metropolitan Council members, Gijang County Council members, veterans, their families, and residents. The festival featured a commemorative ceremony, exhibition booths, and hands-on experience booths, offering a variety of programs.

The Pillar of Memory installed at the Gijang County Patriots and Veterans Appreciation Festival venue.

In particular, moving away from the conventional ceremonial events, the festival became a celebration where veterans, their families, and residents directly participated in performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities, jointly reflecting on the value of honoring veterans.

Veterans and their families took the stage as performers, presenting ▲ saxophone performances ▲ Salpuri traditional dance ▲ guitar performances and singing ▲ reading of appreciation letters, among other acts.

Interview videos of Gijang County veterans' organization leaders left a lasting impression on attendees, and during the 'Memory and Appreciation' performance, veterans' organization leaders and children took the stage together, symbolizing generational harmony and delivering a moving experience.

In the exhibition booth zone, ▲ introduction of veterans' organizations ▲ understanding the meaning of patriotism and veterans affairs ▲ map of veterans' facilities in Gijang County ▲ display of veterans' memorabilia allowed residents to reflect on the noble significance of patriotism and honoring veterans.

The 'Pillar of Memory' is a sculpture inspired by the tradition of Gwangbok Army soldiers writing their resolutions and names on the Taegeukgi (Korean national flag) as a pledge for independence. Participants expressed their gratitude by writing handwritten messages on a large Taegeukgi banner, which will be delivered and displayed at the Gijang County Veterans Hall.

Additionally, the 'Student Soldier Shooting Experience' and 'Battlefield Experience' allowed younger generations to indirectly experience the sacrifices and efforts of national heroes, resulting in high participation from children and teenagers.

Governor Jung Jongbok said, "I would like to express my gratitude for the successful completion of the Gijang County Patriots and Veterans Appreciation Festival, thanks to the participation and support of so many people," and added, "We will continue to honor the noble spirit of national heroes, reflect on the meaning of veterans affairs, and foster a culture of practicing respect for veterans in our daily lives."

Gijang County is hosting the National Veterans Appreciation Festival.