Gyeongsangnam-do Holds 107th March 1st Movement Anniversary Ceremony ... "Today's Prosperity Owes to Great Sacrifices"

Governor Park Wansu: "We Will Find Every Last Independence Activist"

On March 1, Gyeongsangnam-do held the "107th March 1st Movement Anniversary Ceremony" at the main auditorium of the provincial office.

This year's ceremony, held under the theme "The Cry of That Day Reaches Today," was attended by more than 400 people, including bereaved families of independence patriots, heads of veterans' organizations, and local residents.

The commemorative ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem and proceeded as follows: a memorial for 366 independence patriots, a report on the progress of the March 1st Movement, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, conferral of government awards, a commemorative address, screening of the themed video "Letters Reaching Today," a performance of a creative musical by the provincial arts troupe, singing of the March 1st Movement song, and three cheers for Korean independence.

The "107th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Commemoration Ceremony" is being held at the New Building Auditorium of Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

For the reading of the Declaration of Independence, a total of 107 people participated, including descendants of independence patriots and residents representing 18 cities and counties, symbolizing both the historical characteristics of each region's independence movement and the significance of the 107th anniversary.

During the government award presentation, the Presidential Citation was conferred to Nam Hosung, the grandson of the late Nam Bongryong.

Nam Bongryong was an independence activist who, while working as a fisherman in Naesan-ri, Donghae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gyeongnam Province in 1918, resisted a Japanese fisherman, was arrested, and received corporal punishment.

In addition, the Governor's Commendation was awarded to Hwa Yujeon, Choi Dongho, and Lee Byeonggil in recognition of their contributions to honoring the independence movement.

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is delivering a commemorative speech at the "107th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Ceremony." Provided by Gyeongnam Province.

On this day, Governor Park Wansu stated, "One hundred and seven years ago today, our ancestors shouted 'Long live Korean independence!' in defiance of Japan's harsh rule," and added, "Across Gyeongnam, including Gunbuk in Haman, Samjin in Changwon, Samga in Hapcheon, and Yeongsan in Changnyeong, countless provincial residents joined the independence movement."

He continued, "This spirit of resistance in Gyeongnam became the foundation for the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and served as a model of non-violent resistance recognized in world history. The spirit of national dignity and self-reliance-believing that each nation determines its own destiny-later continued through the March 15 Uprising and the Buma Democratic Protests, becoming the driving force behind Korea's industrialization and democratization."

Governor Park emphasized, "The prosperity Gyeongnam enjoys today was only made possible by the great sacrifices of our fallen patriots," and said, "Myself and all public officials will seek answers in the field, communicate with residents, and fulfill our promises to achieve 'A Leaping Gyeongnam, Tangible Growth.'"

He also said, "Since 2023, we have submitted award applications for more than 131 unrecognized independence activists to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and we are focusing administrative resources on researching and uncovering their achievements with a determination to find every last one."

He added, "There are still unsung heroes who have yet to receive historical recognition, and as their personal stories are part of Korea's history, it is our duty to pass them on to future generations."

Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education (second row, from the left), Park Hyungin, Head of Gyeongnam Branch of the Liberation Association, Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, and Choi Hakbeom, Chairman of Gyeongnam Provincial Council, are singing the March 1st Movement Song at the '107th March 1st Movement Anniversary Ceremony.' Provided by Gyeongnam Province

The commemorative ceremony reinterpreted the records left by independence activists in the form of "letters."

Programs to foster intergenerational empathy were also held inside and outside the venue, including displays of source materials compiled in the "Gyeongnam Independence Movement History," original letters from independence activists, and webtoon character experiences.

Gyeongsangnam-do plans to continue its "Project to Identify Unrecognized Independence Activists," which it is pioneering as the first among local governments nationwide, and to share and promote the spirit of the independence movement among residents.

Along with this, the province will expand customized support for independence patriots, such as medical expense assistance, to enhance the pride of independence patriots and their families and to provide recognition that can be genuinely felt by them.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.