Haman County Successfully Hosts "107th Anniversary Chilbuk March 1st Movement Commemoration Festival"

Honoring the Noble Spirit of Sacrifice and Patriotism
of the Fallen Heroes of the Yeongae Market Independence Movement

On the morning of March 9, at 10:00 AM, Haman County in South Gyeongsang Province announced that it successfully held the "107th Anniversary Chilbuk March 1st Movement Commemoration Festival" at Iryeong Branch School, formerly Chilseo Elementary School in Chilbuk-myeon, the site of the first independence movement in the province.

The event, organized by the Chilbuk March 1st Independence Memorial Association (President Yoon Sangcheol), was prepared to widely publicize the Yeongae Market March 1st Movement, to re-examine its historical significance, and to honor the noble spirit of sacrifice and patriotism of the nation's fallen heroes.

The 107th Anniversary Chilbuk March 1st Independence Movement Commemoration Festival Held. Provided by Haman County

The event was attended by approximately 800 people, including bereaved families; Haman County Mayor Cho Geunje; Lee Manho, Chair of the Haman County Council; Kim Sangwoo, Director of the Eastern Gyeongnam Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; provincial and county council members; Kim Youngsun, Director of Welfare and Women Policy at Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government; and local residents.

The pre-ceremony included a floral tribute and incense offering at the memorial tower, performances (Samchil Housewives University Nanta performance and Haman Women's Choir), an introduction to the monument inscription (featuring March 1st Movement participants), and the screening of records documenting the March 9th Independence Movement.

The first part of the commemoration featured the national ceremony, progress report, recitation of the Declaration of Independence, singing of the March 1st Movement song, and a collective "mansei" cheer. After the mansei, bereaved families, association members, residents, and students participated in a reenactment of the street march from the Iryeong Branch School playground to the Iryeong three-way intersection, reflecting on the meaning of that historic day 107 years ago.

The 107th Anniversary Celebration of the Chilbuk March 1st Independence Movement Festival Held. Courtesy of Haman County

The second part of the festival included a variety of cultural performances, such as a farmers' music performance and a citizens' singing contest featuring popular singers, providing a rich array of entertainment for attendees.

Yoon Sangcheol, president of the Chilbuk March 1st Independence Memorial Association, stated, "The Chilbuk Yeongae Market March 1st Movement was the first independence movement in South Gyeongsang Province, and I hope this commemoration festival serves as a meaningful occasion to remember and carry on its historical value. I will continue to do my utmost to widely share the noble spirit of the March 1st Movement that arose at Yeongae Market and to ensure its legacy continues."

Cho Geunje, Mayor of Haman County, remarked, "The cry for independence that first rang out at Yeongae Market in South Gyeongsang Province is a proud part of our region's history. I extend my deepest gratitude to the patriotic martyrs and independence activists who dedicated themselves to our country, and I will do my best to honor their noble sacrifice by promoting commemorative projects and supporting the bereaved families so that their legacy is never forgotten."

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