Songpa-gu Hosts 'Veterans Family Festival' Honoring National Defense Heroes

‘We will never forget the sacrifices of the heroes who fought and bled!’

Songpa-gu holds ‘2023 Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival’ at Seoul Playground on the 20th to commemorate the Month of Patriots and Veterans

Hwarang Military Merit Medals awarded to Korean War veterans and their families, and Mayor’s Commendations presented to 23 exemplary national veterans

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu: “We will uphold and never forget the noble spirit of the patriotic heroes who made today’s Republic of Korea”

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that it held the ‘Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival’ on the 20th to express gratitude and respect to national veterans and their families who devoted themselves to the country.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok of Songpa-gu said, “The freedom and prosperity that today’s Republic of Korea enjoys are possible because of the dedication and sacrifice of the patriotic heroes who defended the homeland at the cost of their lives,” adding, “We have prepared this special event today to express our gratitude to the veterans, including Mr. Jo Jeom-deok, who is finally receiving his medal.”

The ‘Songpa-gu Veterans Family Festival’ was organized by the Songpa-gu Veterans Hall Operation Council and was attended by about 950 people, including national veterans and their families from nine veterans organizations in the district.

Starting at 10 a.m. with a military band playing military songs, fusion gugak (traditional Korean music), and a pre-ceremony performance by the Songpa-gu Silver Choir, the event proceeded with the Month of Patriots and Veterans commemoration ceremony, congratulatory performances, and side events.

The highlight of the event was the ‘Medal Presentation.’ To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, the district prepared a ceremony to present medals to war veterans and their families to remember their sacrifice and patriotic spirit.

First, the Hwarang Military Merit Medal, which was decided to be awarded on April 20, 1954, but never received, was presented to Korean War veteran Jo Jeom-deok. Jo Jeom-deok (91) said, “I enlisted at the age of 17 and participated in countless battles day and night at the front lines,” and added, “I can barely remember the faces and names of the comrades I fought alongside,” moving many hearts.

Medals were also presented to the families of deceased veterans Yoon Sang-gi, Jo Gyu-ho, and Kim Pal-yong, receiving warm applause. Yoon Jong-in, son of veteran Yoon Sang-gi, said, “I remembered my father’s words that the military merit medal was decided to be awarded in 1951, and I contacted the district after seeing the banner at the community center titled ‘Finding the Owners of Songpa-gu’s Korean War Military Merit Medals.’ I am very grateful to Songpa-gu for actively working for the patriotic heroes.”

Following this, Mayor’s Commendations were presented to 23 exemplary national veterans in the district to express gratitude and respect for their sacrifice and dedication to the country. After all awards were presented, members of the veterans organizations shouted “Long live the Republic of Korea!”, “Long live Songpa-gu!”, and “Long live the national veterans!” three times, reflecting on the meaning of the Month of Patriots and Veterans.

Additionally, the district prepared special side events such as war weapon exhibitions, war food experiences, and health experience booths to help recall and empathize with the lives of elderly veterans who devoted themselves to the country.

Moreover, to mark the Month of Patriots and Veterans in June, the district will promote various commemorative events to honor the martyrs and their noble sacrifices. On the 23rd, the 73rd Korean War Commemoration Ceremony will be held, and on the 25th, consolation payments will be given to Korean War veterans.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok of Songpa-gu said, “On the occasion of the Month of Patriots and Veterans in June, I hope the culture of remembering, honoring, and respecting the sacrifices and dedication of national veterans will spread,” and added, “We will do our best to improve the welfare and honor of Songpa-gu’s veterans families with deep respect and gratitude to those who devoted themselves to the nation and the social community.”

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