The 'Garden of Gratitude' at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul serves as a memorial space for citizens to remember and express gratitude to UN veterans who defended South Korea's freedom and peace.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that on November 11, designated as 'International Day of UN Veterans,' a citizen-participation memorial event was held at the Garden of Gratitude. This event was organized to allow citizens who cannot visit the UN Memorial Park in Busan to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of the veterans.
The Garden of Gratitude was created to express appreciation to the countries and veterans who participated in the Korean War and to share the values of freedom and peace. At the site, the 'Light of Gratitude 23' symbolizes the gratitude towards the participating countries and veterans. In the underground 'Freedom Hall,' visitors can explore media content detailing the history of the Korean War and South Korea's growth.
The program organized by the city includes 'Memorial Candles,' a special lighting of the 'Light of Gratitude 23,' and opportunities for citizens to write messages of thanks.
The 'Memorial Candles' involve distributing LED candles for free to citizens visiting the site after sunset, encouraging them to express their own memorial and gratitude.
The special lighting is scheduled for 8 p.m. on November 11, illuminating the 'Light of Gratitude 23' in blue, symbolizing the UN. The lighting will sequentially activate 23 lights in accordance with the order of participation, repeating the lighting and extinguishing process 23 times to express gratitude to the participating countries and veterans.
A program for citizens to leave their messages of thanks is also available. Spaces for writing messages are set up in front of the 'Light of Gratitude 23' and at the entrance of the Freedom Hall, with the messages displayed on a memorial wall in the underground Freedom Hall until November 15. This allows visitors to read the messages and share in the meaning of remembrance even after the event.
Photo opportunities with commemorative signs are prepared for citizens and foreign visitors. An online memorial challenge using the hashtags '#InternationalDayofUNVeterans_Gwanghwamun' and '#GardenofGratitude' has been launched to broaden participation.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to operate the Garden of Gratitude as an open space where citizens can experience the significance of history and share the values of peace and solidarity with the participating countries.
Kang Seok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Balanced Development Headquarters, stated, "It is because of the sacrifices and dedication of UN veterans that today's freedom and peace in South Korea are possible. I hope this memorial event remains a cherished memory in the daily lives of citizens and serves as an opportunity to reflect on the values of freedom and peace together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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