Theme: "Aspiration for Independence, United People of Honam, and the Defended Homeland"
Reflecting on the Meaning of National Self-Reliance through the Recitation of the Declaration of Independence
Governor Kim Young-rok of Jeollanam-do is leading a three cheers with the attendees at the ‘107th Samiljeol Commemoration Ceremony’ held at the Kim Dae-jung Auditorium of Jeollanam-do Provincial Office on the 1st. Provided by Jeollanam-do Province
On March 1, Jeollanam-do held the 107th Anniversary March 1st Movement Ceremony at the Kim Daejung Auditorium of the Provincial Government, honoring the noble intentions of the forebears who dedicated themselves to the independence of the nation. The event also reaffirmed the unified spirit of the March 1st Movement as the foundation for the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju and their aspirations for future progress.
The ceremony, held under the theme "Aspiration for Independence, United People of Honam, and the Defended Homeland," was attended by Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, descendants of independence patriots, members of the Liberation Association, representatives of veterans’ organizations, heads of institutions and organizations, and approximately 900 others, who reflected on the significance of national self-reliance and independence.
The ceremony proceeded with a report on the March 1st Movement, a recitation of the Declaration of Independence, awards for distinguished individuals, commemorative speeches, a commemorative performance, the singing of the March 1st Movement song, and the traditional three cheers of "Manse."
The recitation of the Declaration of Independence was performed by descendants of independence patriots as well as current students representing Mokpo Jeongmyeong Girls’ High School and Yeongheung High School, both schools with historical ties to the March 1st Movement, thereby reaffirming the meaning of the independence spirit.
In particular, a special performance under the theme "The Cry of That Day, United People of Honam," depicted the people of Honam standing together against Japanese colonial rule during the Gwangju Student Independence Movement. This performance conveyed a message of integration and a shared future for the people of Jeonnam and Gwangju, deeply moving the attendees.
On the first floor of the provincial government building, at Yun Seon-do Hall, a photo exhibition highlighting the history of the Korean independence movement and anti-Japanese art was held, along with a photo zone commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government building in Shanghai.
As part of the awards for distinguished individuals, the late patriot Lee Soonheum (from Jangheung), who was imprisoned for his involvement in the Jeonnam Movement Council incident, was posthumously recognized as an independence patriot. Liberation Association members Jang Sungpil, Kim Wangyeom, and Shin Hakseon, who contributed to discovering unhonored patriots and raising historical awareness, were awarded the Governor’s Commendation, adding further significance to the occasion.
In his commemorative address, Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "The March 1st Movement is a day to remember our longing for independence, the spirit of unity among the people of Honam, and the history of our homeland that we ultimately defended. The courage and sacrifice of our forebears became the roots of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea."
He continued, "Jeonnam and Gwangju have always been the lands that stood together in times of national crisis. The spirit of unity, from the March 1st Movement to democratization and the defense of constitutional government, is now the driving force behind our current integration and leap forward."
Governor Kim emphasized, "Jeonnam and Gwangju are a single-rooted community that has shared a millennium of history. With the launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City in July, we will open a new era of great revival, leading a major leap forward for the Republic of Korea."
He also added, "On February 27, President Lee Jaemyung announced a KRW 9 trillion investment plan for an AI data center and robotics industry with Hyundai Motor Group in Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province. I extend my congratulations on Jeonbuk's investment agreement, and I am confident that Jeonnam and Gwangju will soon see even greater large-scale investments from Korea’s leading companies."
To strengthen support for veterans, Jeollanam-do will, starting this year, expand medical expense assistance for the families of independence patriots from a combined spousal limit of 1 million won to 2 million won, and extend eligibility for temporary use of the Namdo Regional Memorial Park in Haenam to include spouses of national merit recipients. Furthermore, with the opening of the Namdo Righteous Army History Museum in Naju on March 5, the province plans to reinforce the foundation for preserving the spirit of anti-Japanese righteous armies.
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