"Will Come Every Year" 42nd Anniversary 5·18 Memorial Visits Continue

From Kindergarteners to Middle School Students, Delicate Hands Continue Offering Flowers

On the morning of the 16th, kindergarten students in Gwangju are offering flowers with their small hands to the spirits of the May 18 Democratic Movement.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Junho] On the morning of the 16th, two days before the 42nd anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Although it was a weekday morning, the footsteps of citizens from all walks of life paying tribute to the democratic spirits of May never ceased.

Public officials who came by chartered large buses, university students and school officials, elementary school students, kindergarteners, and others. For them, the blazing sun shining down as if it were midsummer did not seem to be a big problem.

In front of the entrance to the National Cemetery, the ‘Gate of Democracy,’ long lines formed as various groups waited their turn to pay respects.

"Leaving behind neither love, honor, nor name..."

Students who were joking and laughing with their friends wore solemn expressions and moved forward to the memorial group as the March for the Beloved played, as if the earlier mood had never existed.

Some mourners left messages in the guestbook such as "We will deeply engrave the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement in our hearts" and "We will never, ever forget the democratic spirit of Gwangju in May," honoring the May spirits.

Sweat beads formed on the forehead of Im Ju-young, a teacher at Imgok Elementary School, who was passionately explaining the May 18 Democratic Movement while holding the hands of children.

To mark the 42nd anniversary of May 18, Imgok Elementary School was conducting experiential learning at the May 18 National Cemetery with its students. In the afternoon, a rice ball-making activity was scheduled.

Teacher Im said, "It is meaningful to come here with the students to directly experience May 18 ahead of the day," adding, "Since Imgok Elementary School is located in Wolgok-dong, where the birthplace of martyr Yoon Sang-won, a key figure of May 18, is located, it is even more special, and we plan to visit the birthplace next year."

Jeong Hyun-seong (13) said, "I had a special experience representing the flower offering," and added, "I only saw it on TV before, but doing it myself was sad. I want to visit and pay respects here every year from now on."

Kindergarteners from Inyang Kindergarten, holding their friends' hands and paying tribute, were also noticeable.

It is a tradition of over 20 years for Inyang Kindergarten to conduct May 18 memorial experiential learning around the time of May 18.

The children reportedly prepared flowers using discarded toilet paper rolls and plastic about a week in advance with their teachers.

Although the children were jumping around during the field trip, they became quiet when standing in front of the cemetery. Following the teacher’s guidance, they offered flowers with their small hands.

Director Jeon Yu-mi said, "From a young age, we aimed to establish a correct historical perspective for the children and, given the serious climate crisis these days, incorporated environmental education about conserving resources into this experiential learning."

Students of Gakhwa Middle School, the closest middle school to the May 18 National Cemetery and participants in the May Road Grand March, also showed solemnity as they observed a moment of silence.

Kim Hwi-jae (15) said, "I was nervous because it was my first visit, but after paying respects, I feel heavy-hearted," adding, "Thanks to those here, we can live comfortably, and I will visit and pay respects every year from now on."

Meanwhile, the ‘42nd Anniversary May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Ceremony’ will be held at 10 a.m. on the 18th at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery.

Due to the easing of the ‘mandatory COVID-19 social distancing measures,’ about 2,000 people including May 18 democratic merit recipients and their families, government officials, representatives from various sectors, and students are expected to attend the ceremony.

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