Nation Commemorates Memorial Day with Ceremonies Across the Country

"We will remember, record, and fulfill our responsibilities."
 
The government will hold the 71st Memorial Day ceremony on June 6 at the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and its people.
 
This year’s ceremony, themed "Remember, Record, and Fulfill Our Responsibilities," will feature special guests including families of victims from the Gapyung Army helicopter crash and relatives of those whose remains were recovered from the Korean War.
 
The ceremony will begin with a national tribute, followed by a nationwide moment of silence at 10 AM, marked by a siren. The pledge of allegiance will be read by Choi Il-sang, a gold medalist from the 2016 Paralympic Games.
 
The mother of Lee Jae-seok, a coast guard officer who died while rescuing an elderly person stranded in the mudflats of Yeongheung Island last September, will read a letter expressing her longing for her son.
 
Certificates of national merit will also be awarded in the name of the President to four individuals, including the family of Lee Jae-seok, veterans, and families of disabled veterans.
 
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs announced that this year’s Memorial Day ceremony will be open to the public without invitations, aiming to create a space for collective remembrance and reflection.
 
Minister Kwon Oh-eul stated, "The freedom and prosperity that South Korea enjoys today are possible only because of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. I hope this Memorial Day ceremony serves as a meaningful opportunity to remember the noble spirit and values of our heroes who dedicated everything for the nation, transcending generations and ideologies, and to reflect on the significance of national unity through veterans' affairs."
 
In Wonju, Gangwon Province, a ceremony will also be held on June 6 at the Memorial Tower Square to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the fallen heroes.
 
The ceremony will begin with a moment of silence at 10 AM, followed by a national tribute, flower offerings, incense burning, and commemorative speeches. Approximately 1,000 attendees, including veterans, their families, student representatives, and citizens, are expected to participate.
 
The 36th Infantry Division, the 108th Brigade of the 36th Infantry Division, the 1st Logistics Support Command, and the Sangji University ROTC will support the event, uniting civilians and military personnel in remembrance.
 
On June 5, the Tongyeong Coast Guard held a ceremony at the Chungheon Tower in Mujun-dong, Tongyeong City, to honor the spirits of the fallen heroes.
 
During the ceremony, the Tongyeong Coast Guard reflected on the noble sacrifice of those who dedicated themselves to the nation and its people through flower offerings, incense burning, and a moment of silence.
 
They also visited the bust of the late Officer Jeong Ho-jong, located at the Tongyeong Rescue Team site, to reaffirm their commitment to their mission and responsibilities.
 
Officer Jeong died in June 2022 while rescuing two divers trapped in a cave near Hongdo in Tongyeong.
 
In Seoul, a running crew made up of police officers from the Hyehwa, Dongjak, Seocho, and Bangbae precincts, known as KNPR (Korean National Police Runners), will host a 6.6 km run on June 6 at 8:30 AM, starting from the Yeobit Island in Banpo Hangang Park and ending near the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu.
 
All registration fees will be donated to the 'Chamsoori Love Foundation,' which supports the families of fallen officers and injured police personnel.
 
This event, which began in 2024, marks its third year, with around 100 participants expected, including about 50 citizens and 50 police officers.