Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said on the 23rd, "Today, for the first time, we will hold the Korean War commemoration ceremony in the Garden of Gratitude created at Gwanghwamun Square," adding, "I will keep Seoul as a city that always remembers heroes and as a dignified city that always knows how to thank heroes."
Oh said this in a post on social media (SNS) titled "The way a nation remembers its heroes determines its dignity."
Oh said, "As we welcome the heroes here for the first time, the emotions welling up are beyond words," adding, "It took a very long time. I wanted to leave proof, right at the heart of Korea, that shows how, from 76 years ago when the Republic of Korea received the world's hard-won aid, it now stands tall as a nation that confidently delivers peace to the world and offers help."
He went on, "There were all kinds of political offensives and malicious denigration poured onto this space," adding, "I also felt great regret seeing attempts to cut up veterans' affairs with factional yardsticks."
Oh said, "But in the place where the noise of wasteful political strife has departed, 23 pillars that shoot the light of freedom and peace have steadfastly kept their place," adding, "Now I feel great fulfillment seeing it become a sanctuary of everyday life where countless citizens come each day to rest at ease."
He added, "Political denigration is momentary, but the memory toward heroes is eternal."
Oh also said, "Tonight, decorated veteran seniors who fought in the Korean War and young people, our future, will stand shoulder to shoulder and fill this garden," adding, "Service members of the Capital Defense Command and a children's reporters' group will raise high the flags of the participating countries, and we plan to light the 'light of gratitude' in the night sky over Gwanghwamun."
He said, "Making a society where those in uniform are respected from the highest place is the pride we must uphold and the state's duty."
Oh said he designated this week as Korean War veterans week and will hold various cultural events that citizens can enjoy. He said, "From a youth running crew coursing through Gwanghwamun Square, to a national security history OX quiz, to a Velcro soccer game cheering for the participating countries, a variety of programs enriched with fun and interest will convey the meaning of veterans' affairs in daily life," adding, "On Friday and Saturday nights, you can lie on the lawn and share deep emotion while watching the films 'The Front Line' and 'Welcome to Dongmakgol.'"