Commemorative Address at the May 18 Democratization Movement Ceremony
On May 18, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Jooho, who is serving as Acting President, stated on the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, "The spirit of solidarity and unity shown in Gwangju 45 years ago is a lesson we desperately need today."
At the ceremony commemorating the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, held that morning at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju, Acting President Lee said, "The May 18 Democratization Movement is not only the history of Gwangju, but the history of all of us," and made these remarks.
He continued, "We must constantly revive the spirit of May in our daily lives and open the path to true national unity through dialogue and compromise. The government will cherish the hope that blossomed in May together with all citizens, make it the driving force of national unity, and steadfastly carry on the spirit of May."
Recalling, "In May 1980, here in Gwangju, ordinary students and citizens risked their lives to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and human rights," Acting President Lee said, "Our parents, brothers, and sisters, who put the country and its people before their own safety and stepped out onto the streets without hesitation, fought with all their might against injustice and wrongdoing."
He added, "The passionate cries of the souls of May and the spirit of community that embraced neighbors as family became one, forming the spirit of May."
He emphasized, "On the foundation of the spirit of May, today's Republic of Korea was built. Because we embraced each other's pain and wrote a story of hope together, we were able to usher in the spring of democracy, achieve remarkable economic development, and stand tall as a beloved and respected nation in the world."
In particular, Acting President Lee stressed that he believes the true way to honor Gwangju in May is to respect each other's differences, empathize with each other's pain, and move forward toward the future together.
He concluded, "Let us move beyond confrontation and division, and together strive for a greater Republic of Korea on the foundation of the great history of democracy protected by the noble courage and sacrifice of 1980. Once again, I offer my boundless respect and gratitude to the contributors and bereaved families of the May 18 Democratization Movement."
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