At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, the World Observes One Minute of Silence Toward Busan

'Turn Toward Busan' at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery
19th United Nations Veterans International Memorial Day

"Please dedicate one minute of silence toward Busan." A single remark from a United Nations veteran has become an official commemorative event.

On November 11 at 10:50 a.m., the city of Busan, home to the world's only United Nations Memorial Cemetery, will hold the 19th United Nations Veterans International Memorial Day ceremony.

This event, taking place at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, is a moment for the world to observe one minute of silence toward Busan at the same time, honoring the sacrifices and contributions of 1.98 million United Nations veterans from 22 countries who fought in the Korean War.

The "Turn Toward Busan" moment of silence at 11 a.m. is an international memorial campaign to remember those who fought for freedom and peace. It began in 2007 at the suggestion of Canadian veteran Vincent Courtenay. In 2020, it was designated as a legal memorial day, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has since organized the official ceremony each year.

This year, around 800 participants-including United Nations veterans and their descendants, members of the diplomatic corps, Korean War veterans, and key government officials-will attend the ceremony. The Ministry of National Defense honor guard and students from Pukyong National University will raise the flags of all 22 participating nations. The ceremony will also include a wreath-laying, a memorial performance, and the screening of a themed video in the symbolic area of the United Nations Memorial Cemetery.

Trot singer Maria Elizabeth Reese will perform the hymn "Amazing Grace." Her presence on stage is especially meaningful, as both her grandfather and great-uncle served as United Nations veterans.

At 11 a.m., to coincide with the ceremony, a memorial siren will sound throughout Busan, accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

Park Heongjoon, Mayor of Busan, stated, "I hope citizens will join the moment of silence toward Busan, home to the world's only United Nations Memorial Cemetery, at 11 a.m. on November 11," adding, "Busan will continue to honor the values of freedom and peace protected by United Nations veterans, carrying on its legacy as a symbol of world peace."

Scenes from the United Nations Veterans International Memorial Day event held last year.

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