To Be Held at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the 12th
A Grand Festival of Democracy Celebrating Courage, Solidarity, and Daedong
Gwangju City and the May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Committee will hold the “45th Anniversary May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Committee Inauguration Ceremony” at 10 a.m. on the 12th at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, officially beginning preparations for the May 18 commemorative events.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. The commemorative events will embody a “grand festival of democracy opening a new world,” prepared together by all of Gwangju, encompassing both the public and private sectors.
Approximately 300 people are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony, including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Gwangju City Council Chairperson Shin Sujeong, Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeongseon, district mayors, committee chairpersons and representatives of participating organizations, local elders, youth, and public officials.
After reading the inauguration declaration, attendees will present the “Invitation Performance from Gwangju,” aiming to deepen the meaning and public resonance of the 45th anniversary May 18 commemorative events.
The Gwangju City Korean Traditional Orchestra, the City Changgeuk Company, the Gwangsan District Choir, and the Dong-gu Choir will collaborate in the themed performance “Dynamic Movement and Requiem for Peace.” Inspired by Jindo Ssitgimgut, this performance will blend Western and Korean requiems to console the spirits of May.
Along with the inauguration ceremony, the May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Committee will unveil the 45th anniversary slogan and poster.
The 45th anniversary slogan is “Ah! May, May We Meet Again.” This expresses that May lives on in every hand turning the pages of the novel “Human Acts,” in every step running to the National Assembly to oppose martial law, and in every cheering stick that kept vigil in the cold winter squares. May is a symbol of courage and solidarity, an emblem of Daedong, and the origin of imagination dreaming of a new world.
Mayor Kang Gijung stated, “The May 18 Democratic Movement is a historic event that protected democracy in Korea,” adding, “This year’s 45th anniversary commemorative events will be a grand festival of democracy, composed of diverse cultural events and experiential programs that transcend generations and eras, allowing citizens from across the country to participate and enjoy together.”
Oh Byungyun, Chairperson of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Committee, said, “Gwangju will lead the way toward the path desired by all generations and times,” and added, “Through remembrance and succession of the martyrs who went before us, we will open the Daedong world of Gwangju in 1980 as a ‘grand festival of democracy’ and await your participation.”
Meanwhile, the 45th anniversary May 18 Democratic Movement commemorative events will be held throughout Gwangju, including a memorial service on May 17, an eve event, a commemorative ceremony, the Gwangju Human Rights Award ceremony, Democracy Driver’s Day, the May 18 Youth Culture Festival, and more.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
