Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, Honors the Sacrifice of Patriotic Martyrs
Expansion of Veterans' Budget and Enhanced Recognition for Merit Recipients
Gumi Strives to Become a Leading City for Veterans
On the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, the city of Gumi reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the spirit of sacrifice of patriotic martyrs and war veterans, and announced plans to strengthen recognition and support for national merit recipients and their families.
Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi (first), commemorates the sacrifice of patriotic martyrs, vows to advance the city as a "Veterans City" by expanding veterans' budget and strengthening honors for merit recipients. Photo by Kwon Byungkeun
On June 25, Gumi held a commemorative ceremony attended by war veterans, bereaved families, and various dignitaries, reflecting on the horrors of war and reaffirming the value of defending liberal democracy.
On this day, the Mayor of Gumi stated, "Seventy-five years ago, at the Nakdong River front, when the fate of our nation was hanging by a thread, the desperate resistance at the Bisan Ferry in Gumi changed the destiny of the Republic of Korea." He emphasized, "The Battle of Bisanjin, in which the 5th Reconnaissance Platoon of the 15th Regiment of the ROK Army blocked the North Korean crossing, is the reason Gumi is called a city of national defense."
He continued, "On the blood and sacrifice of our veterans, Gumi became the heart of industrialization, and Korea overcame the ruins of war to grow into an economic powerhouse admired by the world. The noble sacrifice for the nation and its people must always be met with respect and gratitude."
During the ceremony, the city presented commendations to 20 merit recipients as a token of appreciation, and also expressed condolences and respect to the heads of veterans' organizations and representatives of the bereaved families.
Mayor Kim Jangho also stated, "Honoring veterans is not a choice but a duty," and pledged to strengthen practical support for national merit recipients. He said, "We will continue to increase the veterans' budget, raise allowances for national merit recipients, and establish dedicated parking zones, thereby realizing a warm and supportive veterans' administration."
He further explained, "Recently, Gumi has secured all four major national strategic zones: the Defense Industry Innovation Cluster, the Semiconductor Specialized Complex, the Education Development Special Zone, and the Opportunity Development Special Zone, preparing to leap forward as a future industrial city." The city emphasized, "The foundation of this development lies in the spirit of sacrifice of the veterans who defended the nation."
Finally, Mayor Kim stated, "In the reality of division and under the threat from North Korea, stronger security and a deeper sense of honoring veterans are needed," and added, "Gumi will take the lead in carrying on the will of those who defended the nation and in realizing a Korean Peninsula of freedom and peace."
"Freedom Protected by Sacrifice, Gumi Does Not Forget" Commitment to Honoring Veterans on the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War Photo by Byunggeon Kwon
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