Kim Hanna, the spouse of the late Master Sergeant Han Sang-guk, who was killed in action in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, said the "Garden of Gratitude" created at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul is "a very meaningful endeavor that shows Korea's dignity in remembering those who devoted themselves to the nation."
On the 25th, Kim wrote on her social media (SNS), expressing deep thanks to Mayor Oh Se-hoon and the Seoul city officials for creating such a meaningful space in Gwanghwamun, the heart of Korea, and stated accordingly.
Kim said, "The prosperity we enjoy today is by no means a given," and added, "It was made possible by the dedication of young people who gave their lives for the freedom of a country they did not even know and by medical staff who saved lives on horrific battlefields." She continued, "The Garden of Gratitude is a sign of a promise that Korea will never forget their sacrifice."
Kim also said, "The world's major advanced countries have already created memorial spaces for national heroes in the centers of their capitals so that people remember them in daily life," and added, "Now, in the symbolic place of Gwanghwamun, Korea can demonstrate to the world the sacrifice and friendship of 23 countries."
She went on, "The Garden of Gratitude will not stop at remembering the past, but will become a living venue for history education that conveys the preciousness of freedom and peace to future generations," adding, "As a bereaved family member of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, this space feels all the more special to me."
Kim said, "I sincerely hope the Garden of Gratitude will take root as a representative symbol of Korea that conveys the values of freedom, peace, and remembrance to the public and to people around the world."
The Garden of Gratitude is a commemorative space that conveys appreciation to the countries that fought in the 6.25 War. Above ground, "Light of Gratitude 23," a set of 23 stone symbolic sculptures 6.25 meters tall, has been installed. It symbolizes the 23 countries that fought in the 6.25 War. Underground is the "Freedom Hall," where visitors can watch interviews with veterans and more.
The Second Battle of Yeonpyeong broke out at 10 a.m. on June 29, 2002, during the height of the Korea-Japan World Cup, when two North Korean patrol boats violated the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and launched a surprise attack on our Navy's PKM-357 fast patrol boat.
Master Sergeant Han Sang-guk, the helmsman, as well as Captain Yoon Yeong-ha, the commanding officer; Master Sergeant Jo Cheon-hyeong, gunner; Staff Sergeant Hwang Do-hyeon; and Staff Sergeant Seo Hu-won were killed in action, and Sergeant Park Dong-hyeok, a medic, died while receiving treatment for critical injuries, bringing the death toll to six.
As our Navy immediately responded, the North Korean forces suffered more than 30 casualties, and a patrol boat fled while engulfed in flames.