Mapo District Holds National Veterans Appreciation Festival with Over 1,000 Attendees

On June 14, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the Month of Patriots and Veterans, Mapo District in Seoul held the 3rd National Veterans Appreciation Festival under the theme "We Are Happy to Be With You" along the Red Road section R5 to R6.

Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, delivering a greeting at the 3rd National Veterans Appreciation Festival. Provided by Mapo District.

This festival was organized to reflect on the meaning of national defense and veterans' affairs, to pass on the spirit of appreciation across generations, and to express gratitude. More than 1,000 people, including veterans and their families, as well as local residents, attended the event, adding to its significance.

The commemorative ceremony featured a variety of programs, starting with a pre-ceremony performance by a military band, followed by the presentation of appreciation plaques to veterans, award ceremonies for children's drawing and youth writing contests, a Taekwondo performance, and cultural performances.

Throughout the venue, "Patriots and Veterans Theme Booths" were operated. Photo zones, introductions to veterans' organizations and halls, military equipment displays, and a traveling exhibition from the Independence Hall of Korea provided visitors with both educational value and historical experiences.

In his commemorative address, Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, stated, "The peaceful daily life and prosperity we enjoy today were never simply given to us," and added, "It is meaningful to be able to reflect on the spirit of national defense and veterans' affairs for three consecutive years through the National Veterans Appreciation Festival in June, the Month of Patriots and Veterans, and I would like to express my gratitude to all the honorees."

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