The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 18th that the '65th Anniversary 4·19 Revolution Commemoration Ceremony' will be held at 11 a.m. on the 19th at the National April 19th Democratic Cemetery in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.
This year's ceremony, held under the theme 'April Always Shines,' will be attended by about 1,000 people, including 4·19 Revolution merit recipients and their families, key government officials, and future generations.
The ceremony will begin with an opening video reflecting on the journey of democracy that led to the 4·19 Revolution, tracing from the Daegu 2·28 Democratic Movement, Daejeon 3·8 Democratic Uprising, and Masan 3·15 Uprising, emphasizing the preciousness of liberal democracy. Following the national anthem and the national salute, a joint choir composed of junior students from universities that participated in the 4·19 Revolution (Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Hanyang University) will lead the singing of the national anthem. Then, heads of veterans organizations related to the 4·19 Revolution and junior students from high schools that participated in the 4·19 Revolution (Daekwang High School, Dongseong High School, Joongang High School) will jointly offer flowers and incense in memory of the martyrs of the 4·19 Revolution.
Next, a moment of remembrance will be held through footage of volunteers caring for the graves of unidentified 4·19 martyrs, flower offerings by actress Jo Eun-sook, and a memorial piece performed by a violist. Actress Jo Eun-sook played the role of the mother of martyr Kim Ju-yeol in the 4·19 Revolution-related film 'April’s Flame' and is also a junior alumnus of Jongam Elementary School, the alma mater of Im Dong-seong, the youngest martyr of the 4·19 Revolution (aged 11 at the time).
The memorial performance will convey the message of always remembering the democratic martyrs of the 4·19 Revolution and overcoming historical pain to move forward unitedly through actress Jo Eun-sook’s recitation of the memorial poem 'Reborn as Flowers' and singer Sunye’s memorial song 'Every Day, Every Moment.'
The commemorative performance will feature junior students from elementary, middle, high schools, and universities who participated in the 4·19 Revolution, along with general visitors, introducing key records of the 4·19 Revolution through the commemorative video 'Shining April,' reflecting on the noble spirit of that day. Following this, vocalist Gil Byung-min will sing the commemorative song 'Butterfly' with the Gwangjin District Women’s Choir, the grand prize winner of the 2024 1st National 4·19 Choir Competition, delivering the message of moving forward together toward 'April that Always Shines, a Future Full of Hope.' Finally, the ceremony will conclude with all attendees singing the 'Song of 4·19.'
Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jeong-ae stated, "April 1960, which established democracy in the Republic of Korea, remains a shining history in the hearts of our people even after 65 years." She added, "The government will continue to honor the noble spirits of the democratic martyrs who fell for democracy on this land and strive to ensure that our citizens and future generations remember and inherit the history of the 4·19 Revolution."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
