Paju City Holds 80th Liberation Day Ceremony
Over 600 Attendees, Including Descendants of Independence Patriots
Citizens Reflect on the Significance of Liberation Together
"The Light Regained by All People, Towards a Just Korea Once Again"
On the morning of August 15, at 10:00 a.m., the city of Paju, Gyeonggi Province, held a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day at the Grand Performance Hall of the Paju Citizens' Hall. The event was attended by more than 600 people, including descendants of independence patriots, members of the Liberation Association, Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, Yoon Hoo-duk, National Assembly member, Park Dae-sung, chairman of the Paju City Council, provincial and city council members, military personnel, and citizens.
Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 80th Liberation Day ceremony held at the Paju Citizens' Hall on the morning of the 15th. Provided by Paju City
Held against the backdrop of a large banner reading "The Light Regained by All People, Towards a Just Korea Once Again," the ceremony began with a vibrant pre-ceremony performance by the Yulgok High School marching band, followed by the national ceremony, a commemorative speech by Cheon Changam, head of the Paju branch of the Liberation Association (read on behalf of the president), a congratulatory speech by Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, commendations for those who contributed to Liberation Day, a special performance by the Paju City Arts Troupe, the singing of the Liberation Day song, and the traditional three cheers of "Manse."
In particular, around 20 descendants of independence patriots were introduced one by one and received enthusiastic applause from the attendees. A massive Taegeukgi (Korean national flag), measuring 13 meters wide and 10 meters high, was hung in the second-floor balcony, further heightening the sense of emotion marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation. In addition, a special exhibition titled "The Mugunghwa Blooming on the Waves of Memory" was organized at the venue, allowing citizens to reflect on the significance of Liberation.
Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju, and attendees are performing the three cheers for victory. Photo by Paju City
In his congratulatory speech, Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, stated, "The greatest lesson of August 15 Liberation is that we must build a just Korea once again with the light regained by all people. True liberation is not only the restoration of sovereignty, but also the guarantee of the dignity and rights of every citizen. Keeping this in mind, I will focus solely on our citizens and make Paju a city that remembers its history, reflects on the present, and prepares for the future."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
