The Daegu Regional Office of Veterans Affairs (Director Kim Jongsul) announced on June 4 that it has selected the Chilgok National Defense and Peace Memorial Hall, located in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province, as the Memorial Facility of the Month for June, which is designated as the Month of Patriots and Veterans.
The Chilgok National Defense and Peace Memorial Hall was established in October 2015 to shed new light on the historical significance of the Nakdong River Defense Line battles, which saw fierce fighting during the Korean War, and to inspire public awareness of national security and patriotism.
The area around Waegwan and Dabudong, where the memorial is located, was a strategic point leading to Daegu, which served as the provisional capital of South Korea. In August and September 1950, North Korean forces launched concentrated attacks here in an attempt to break through the Nakdong River Defense Line. However, their offensive was thwarted by the combined operations and intensive bombardment by South Korean and United Nations forces, marking a turning point in the war along with the success of the Incheon Landing Operation.
Inside the memorial, there is a National Defense Experience Hall that vividly conveys the progress of the Nakdong River Defense Line battles and the horrors of war, as well as a Battle Experience Hall where visitors can indirectly experience key combat scenes, such as the destruction of the Waegwan Railway Bridge during the Korean War. The memorial is also designed as a multi-purpose space that combines commemorative, experiential, educational, and leisure functions, allowing people of all ages to learn about the history of war and the value of peace.
In recognition of its historical value and educational importance, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs designated the memorial as a Memorial Facility on April 27, 2016.
An official from the Daegu Regional Office of Veterans Affairs stated, "The Chilgok National Defense and Peace Memorial Hall is a symbolic space where we can remember the sacrifices and dedication that protected the nation at the final defense line of the Korean War," adding, "We hope that the designation of this memorial facility will provide an opportunity for all citizens to reflect on the spirit of sacrifice of our forebears and the value of peace."
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