Commemorating the Sacrifice of Independence Pioneers
A Celebration Together with Their Descendants
On August 15, Gyeongsangbuk-do announced that more than 500 people attended the 80th Liberation Day celebration at the Hwabaekdang Hall of the provincial government. Attendees included the heads of all 23 cities and counties in the province, leaders of various organizations, descendants of independence patriots, and members of the Liberation Association.
On the 80th Anniversary of Liberation, Gyeongbuk Province's 23 Cities and Counties Honor the Sacrifices of Patriotic Forefathers with the Resolution of 'Freedom and Independence' Singing the Song of Liberation at the Celebration Ceremony with Bereaved Families. Photo by Kwon Byunggeon
This event was organized to reaffirm the values of autonomy and freedom of the Republic of Korea, to honor the spirit of sacrifice shown by the pioneers of independence, and to pass on these values to future generations.
The ceremony began with the national ritual, followed by the singing of the national anthem, the Song of Liberation, commendations for the families of independence patriots, a commemorative address, and a collective "Banzai" cheer. The venue was filled with waves of Taegukgi and Banzai flags, and the faces of the participants reflected solemnity and pride.
In his commemorative address, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Chulwoo emphasized, "Liberation was not freely given, but a hard-won achievement realized through the blood and sacrifice of countless pioneers." He added, "Carrying on their spirit, Gyeongbuk will become the center that leads the next 100 years of Korea's future."
From the left, Youngseok Kang, mayor of Sangju, Jangho Kim, mayor of Gumi, Kichang Kwon, mayor of Andong, Nakho Bae, mayor of Gimcheon, Jongsik Lim, superintendent of Gyeongbuk Office of Education, the president of the Gwangbok Association, and Governor Chulwoo Lee are saluting the national flag. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon
He also stated, "Gyeongbuk is the root of our nation's history and tradition, and the cradle of the independence movement. We will realize the will of our forebears through economic, cultural, and industrial development, and achieve prosperity that all residents can truly feel."
Mayors and heads of organizations in attendance also paid tribute to the members of the Liberation Association and the bereaved families, pledging to put the spirit of the pioneers into action for regional development and the happiness of residents. A representative of the Liberation Association stated, "We will never forget the will of our predecessors who dedicated their youth for today's freedom 80 years ago, and we will pass it on to future generations."
An official from Gyeongbuk Province commented, "Liberation Day is not just a commemorative date, but a day to reaffirm the values of freedom and national dignity. We will continue to promote a variety of commemorative projects and educational programs to carry on this spirit with our residents."
On this day, the venue was awash with waves of Taegukgi flags and the collective "Banzai" cheer, as participants shouted "Long live Korean independence!" and once again deeply engraved the meaning of liberation in their hearts.
Kang Youngseok, mayor of Sangju, Kim Jangho, mayor of Gumi, Kwon Kichang, mayor of Andong, and Bae Nakho, mayor of Gimcheon, are shouting "Banzai" together. Photo by Kwon Byunggeon
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