Yeoju City Holds '18th National Commemoration Ceremony for Fallen Patriots'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Yeoju City held the '18th National Commemoration Ceremony for Fallen Patriots' on the 2nd at the Monument to the Fallen in Yeongwol Park to commemorate the noble sacrifices of those who died for the nation.

The commemoration ceremony, organized by the Korean War Veterans' Families Association Yeoju Chapter (Chairman Choi Hong-suk), was solemnly conducted with approximately 50 attendees including Vice Mayor Cho Jeong-a of Yeoju City, Park Si-seon, Vice Speaker of the Yeoju City Council, Son Ae-jin, Director of the Gyeonggi Eastern Regional Patriots and Veterans Service, Kim Gyu-chang, Vice Speaker of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, provincial and city council members, heads of patriotic organizations in Yeoju City, and bereaved family members.

The ceremony proceeded with flower offerings and incense for honoring the spirit and achievements of the fallen patriots, a tribute address, a commemorative speech, recitation of memorial poems, a traditional purification dance (살풀이), and Buddhist prayers of different scales, followed by ceremonial rites.

Vice Mayor Cho Jeong-a said, "We pay tribute to the noble sacrifice of those fallen patriots who devoted everything to their motherland to protect the nation, people, freedom and peace, and extend our gratitude and sympathy to the fallen patriots and bereaved families," adding, "We will make utmost efforts in respecting national merit personnel and spreading patriots and veterans culture."