Mayor Kim Byung-su: "A City Illuminated by the Sacrifices of Our Ancestors, Building the Future Starting from Gimpo"

Gimpo City Holds March 1st Movement Day Ceremony to Pass on the Spirit of Patriots to Future Generations
Many Families Participate... Youth Singing Together Deeply Moves Citizens

Gimpo City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byung-su) held a March 1st Movement Day commemorative ceremony with the youth, the future leaders of Gimpo, to reflect on the noble spirit of sacrifice of the patriots and to signify the succession to future generations.

Participants at the '106th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Commemoration Ceremony' held on the 1st at Gimpo Art Hall are shouting "Manse." Photo by Gimpo City

Unlike previous years, many citizens attended the 106th March 1st Movement Day commemorative ceremony held on the 1st at Gimpo Art Hall with their families. Elementary school students in Gimpo sang the March 1st Movement song while holding their children's hands, and the children took center stage to shout "Manse" (Long live) together, honoring the spirit of sacrifice of the patriots.

About 500 people, including Mayor Kim Byung-su of Gimpo, local dignitaries, members of the Liberation Association, youth, and general citizens, filled the seats at the ceremony. The ceremony proceeded in the order of the national anthem, reading of the Declaration of Independence by Kang Sung-bo, head of the Gimpo branch of the Liberation Association, commendations for meritorious persons, commemorative speeches, commemorative performances, singing of the March 1st Movement song, and shouting "Manse." Commendations for contributions to city development were awarded to Kim Kyung-hwa, a descendant of the late independence activist Kim Pil-mo, and Ahn Myung-ja, a descendant of the late independence activist Ahn Byung-tae.

Notably, before introducing the Liberation Association members, the city took time during the ceremony to emphasize the historical significance of the Liberation Association members to the attending youth and urged them not to forget the noble spirit of sacrifice of the patriotic martyrs, drawing attention.

In his commemorative speech, Mayor Kim Byung-su said, “We are growing through the challenges and changes of a new era by inheriting the overflowing spirit and noble sacrifice of our ancestors. Through the integration of the living areas of Gimpo and Seoul, Gimpo and Seoul will jointly create the maritime city of Seoul, preparing for an era in which Gimpo City will be reborn as a maritime central city.” He added, “The extension of Seoul Subway Line 5 to Gimpo, for which the rapid preliminary feasibility study results will be announced in the first half of this year, will instantly solve Gimpo’s transportation problems and function as a vital artery enabling the entry and investment of large corporations.”

Mayor Kim continued, “Last year, Gimpo was designated as an education development special zone, and two autonomous public high schools were selected. Additionally, Aegibong, which houses the global brand Starbucks, will grow into a security tourism site visited by countless tourists from around the world. The changes that began at Aegibong will transform the northern region of Gimpo into a cultural and tourism economic hub.”

He emphasized, “We must remember the noble sacrifices of our ancestors and revive that spirit today to create a better future. We will make every effort to ensure that the development of our city does not merely result in economic growth but leads to a prosperous life enjoyed by all citizens.”

Meanwhile, Gimpo City has newly established a Veterans Affairs Team this year to provide systematic and professional veterans services for independence activists, national veterans, and their families. In addition, the veterans honor allowance, which was previously paid to those aged 75 and older, has been increased for 2,000 national veterans under 75 years old. The opening of the Gimpo Veterans Hall is also planned, where 10 veterans organizations will be housed to receive integrated support and customized veterans services.

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