Gwangju City Holds 70th Anniversary Event of the Korean War on June 25

On the 25th at 10 AM, at Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center, under the theme "Memory for Peace, and One Step Forward"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 24th that it will hold a commemorative event under the theme "Memory for Peace, and One Step" at 10 a.m. on the 25th at the Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War.

Considering the spread of COVID-19, the scope of invitations for the commemorative event has been significantly reduced.

While about 700 people attended last year, this year the number has been reduced to less than a quarter, limited to about 150 people including veterans' associations such as the 6·25 Veterans Association and military officials. The event will be held in strict compliance with quarantine rules such as wearing masks and social distancing.

The ceremony will proceed in the order of screening of 6·25 war videos, entrance of UN allied countries' flags, awarding of appreciation medals to 6·25 veterans, commendation of exemplary veterans, a commemorative speech by Mayor Lee Yong-seop, commemorative performances, and singing of the 6·25 song.

In particular, the appreciation medals were made in the form of silver coins with a diameter of 40 mm to express gratitude for the sacrifice and dedication of the veterans and to promote their honor and pride. Six medals will be awarded, including to Oh Dal-myeon, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan City branch of the 6·25 Veterans Association, representing 1,274 surviving veterans in the Gwangju area.

As a side event, the Army Intelligence Command, the 31st Army Division, and the Gwangju Regional Veterans Office will exhibit 6·25 war weapons and photos on the second floor of the event hall to reflect on the dedication and spirit of sacrifice of the veterans who gave their lives to protect the country and to revisit the vivid realities of war.

Ryu Mi-su, head of the city's Social Welfare Division, said, "This year is a special year marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, and we have prepared a small but meaningful event to express gratitude and respect to the veterans who dedicated and sacrificed for the country." She added, "Especially, amid the recent rising tensions between the North and South, I hope this will be an opportunity for all citizens to remember the horrors of war and reflect on the importance of peace."

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