Yeonggwang County Holds Memorial for Martyr Park Gwanhyeon, Reflects on the Meaning of Democracy

The 45th Anniversary Ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement Held

On the 16th, Yeonggwang County in Jeollanam-do held the 45th anniversary commemoration of the May 18 Democratic Movement and a memorial ceremony for Martyr Park Gwanhyeon at the Park Gwanhyeon Martyr Memorial Monument located in Bangma-ri, Bulgab-myeon. Provided by Yeonggwang County

On May 16, Yeonggwang County in Jeollanam-do held the 45th anniversary commemoration of the May 18 Democratic Movement and a memorial ceremony for Martyr Park Gwanhyeon at the Park Gwanhyeon Martyr Memorial Monument located in Bangma-ri, Bulgab-myeon, reflecting on the spirit of May.

The memorial ceremony was attended by the family of Martyr Park Gwanhyeon, the chairman of the Park Gwanhyeon Memorial Foundation, the president of the Yeonggwang County chapter of the May 18 Democratic Merit Association, the Yeonggwang County governor, the chairman and members of the county council, members of the Jeollanam-do provincial council, representatives of various institutions and social organizations, the president and executives of the Yeonggwang Junior Chamber, students from Baeksu Yeongsanseong High School, and approximately 200 participants in total.

The ceremony began with a performance of "Arirang" by the Yeonggwang Dream Dream Orchestra, followed by a memorial address, an introduction to the life of Martyr Park Gwanhyeon, a reading of the inscription on the memorial monument, and a floral tribute. The event concluded with a group singing of "March for the Beloved" to honor the meaning and history of that day.

Jang Seil, governor of Yeonggwang County, stated, "The sacrifice of Martyr Park Gwanhyeon is not just a story of the past, but a question for those of us living today about how we should live our lives," adding, "His spirit must continue to be carried on into our future."

Meanwhile, Yeonggwang County plans to promote a commemorative atmosphere for the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement by working with related organizations such as the Yeonggwang Junior Chamber to organize various memorial events, including pilgrimages to May 18 historical sites, floral tribute stations, and rice ball sharing events.