Mapo District in Seoul will host the "Happy to Be With You - The 3rd National Defense and Veterans Appreciation Festival" on June 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Hongdae Red Road R5 and R6 area, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the Month of National Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Park Gangsu, mayor of Mapo District Office, is delivering a greeting at the National Defense and Veterans Appreciation Festival last year. Provided by Mapo District Office.
Now in its third year, the festival brings together veterans, their families, and local residents to express gratitude for their sacrifices and dedication to the country, and to pass on the spirit of patriotism across generations.
In particular, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation in 2025, the event will honor veterans as "Heroes of the Republic of Korea" and encourage the younger generation to reflect on their noble dedication. The festival will take place on the youthful Red Road, with activities divided into four themed sections: "Hero," "Time," "Experience," and "Hope."
On the "Path of Hope," the National Defense and Veterans Appreciation Festival commemorative ceremony will begin at 12:50 p.m. The event will feature a parade by the 56th Infantry Division Military Band of the Capital Defense Command, the presentation of appreciation plaques to veterans, award ceremonies for the National Defense and Patriotism Children's Drawing Contest and Youth Writing Contest, a reading of the grand prize-winning essay, and a Taekwondo performance. The cultural performance segment will feature popular singers Tae Jinah, Hong Jiyoon, and Jeon Youngrang, who will deliver a stage celebrating intergenerational harmony and hope for the future.
The National Defense and Veterans Affairs theme booths will open at 11:00 a.m. On the "Path of Heroes," there will be a Heroes Road and photo zone, introductions to various veterans' organizations and the Veterans Hall, and a program introducing the Veterans Table. The "Path of Time" will showcase an exhibition of winning entries from the National Defense and Patriotism Children's Drawing Contest, a traveling exhibition from the Independence Hall of Korea, displays of Taegukgi (national flag) symbols, and military equipment, offering a variety of attractions.
On the "Path of Experience," the Seoul Regional Veterans Affairs Office and Mapo District Youth Facilities will collaborate to offer a range of hands-on programs, allowing children and youth to naturally experience the meaning of veterans’ affairs.
Park Gangsu, mayor of Mapo District, stated, "This year, marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation, we have prepared the 3rd National Defense and Veterans Appreciation Festival as an even more meaningful event. Through this festival, we hope the community will come together to share respect and gratitude for veterans, and that their noble spirit will be naturally passed on to future generations."
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