Hwaseong Mayor Jung Myeong-geun: "Will Pass Values of Independence Movement to Next Generation's Pride"
Hwaseong Special City held the "81st Liberation Day Commemoration Ceremony" on the 15th at the Hwaseong Art Hall in the U&I Center, attended by approximately 500 people including members of the Korean Independence Association, descendants of independence merit recipients, and citizens.
The commemoration ceremony was held to honor the noble sacrifices of patriots and independence activists who dedicated themselves to the nation's independence, to express gratitude and respect for independence activists and their descendants, and to reflect together with citizens on the historical significance and meaning of liberation.
The ceremony was attended by Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jung Myeong-geun, Hwaseong Special City Council Chairman Lee Gye-chul, Chairman Yun Dae-sung of the Hwaseong Branch of the Korean Independence Association, association members, descendants of independence merit recipients, members of the National Assembly, provincial and city council members, leaders of veterans organizations, officials from relevant and public institutions, and citizens.
The event proceeded in the following order: opening ceremony at 10 a.m., national etiquette, introduction of distinguished guests, Liberation Day commemorative video screening, civic merit recipient commendations, commemorative address and congratulatory remarks, commemorative performance, singing of the Liberation Day song, and three cheers for independence.
In the civic merit recipient commendations, a total of nine people received honors: four commendations from the provincial governor, three from the city mayor, and two from the city council chairman. The city presented commendations to citizens who contributed to the development of the local community and the practice of patriotism, and expressed gratitude for their efforts.
Following this, commemorative addresses reflecting on the historical significance of liberation were delivered, and a "three-dimensional (3D) media convergence performance" took place. Participants joined in singing the Liberation Day song performed by the Hwaseong Girls and Boys Children's Chorus and three cheers, reflecting on the joy of liberation and the noble spirit of fallen patriots.
After the ceremony, a special lecture was held beginning at 11:10 a.m. by instructor Choi Tae-sung on the theme "Hwaseong Special City: Opening the Future with the Light of Liberation."
Through the lecture, instructor Choi Tae-sung reviewed the historical significance of liberation and shared time with citizens contemplating the direction and future that Hwaseong Special City should take based on history. Following the lecture, a question-and-answer session with citizens and commemorative photography took place, with all events concluding at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jung Myeong-geun stated, "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the June 10 Independence Movement, and residents directly came together to create the name 'Mansegoo (Cheers for Independence District),'" and continued, "Just as the cheers of 'Long Live Korean Independence' that resounded 100 years ago continue today, I will work to ensure that the meaning and values of the independence movement are passed on to the next generation's pride. On this 81st Liberation Day, I express deep respect and gratitude to the fallen patriots and independence activists."