Osan Holds Joint Memorial Service for National Patriots Day

Osan City (Mayor Kwak Sang-wook) held the 74th National Patriots Day commemorative joint memorial service on the morning of the 17th at the Memorial Tower in Sucheon-dong.

The event was organized by the Osan City branch of the Korea War Dead and Missing in Action Families Association (Branch Head Choi Jong-gwan) to commemorate the 74th National Patriots Day. Attendees included Vice Mayor Kim Pil-kyung of Osan City, Choi Woong-soo, Speaker of the Osan City Council, city and provincial lawmakers, heads of veterans' organizations, bereaved families, and citizens—approximately 100 people in total.

The joint memorial service proceeded with a wreath-laying ceremony and incense offering by bereaved families and officials, followed by a eulogy by Vice Mayor Kim Pil-kyung, a tribute by Branch Head Choi Jong-gwan, and a commemorative poem by Yi Tae-hyun, Branch Head of the Osan City Association of Wounded Veterans.

In his eulogy, Vice Mayor Kim Pil-kyung stated, "We have gathered here today to commemorate the independence spirit and noble sacrifice of the patriots who dedicated themselves to national sovereignty and to honor their lofty patriotism. We respectfully offer our condolences to the patriots who sacrificed their lives in the anti-Japanese independence struggle with indomitable will during our nation's time of hardship, and together with the 210,000 citizens of Osan, we express our deepest gratitude for the great prosperity our descendants now enjoy."

Meanwhile, National Patriots Day is a statutory commemorative day established to honor and pass down to future generations the independence spirit and sacrifice of the patriots who dedicated themselves to national sovereignty, and to commemorate their spirit and achievements.