State ceremony for 58th anniversary of April 19th Revolution held on Thursday
- 6 years ago
제58주년 4•19혁명 기념식 거행
58 years ago today, one of the most important political protests in South Korean history took place.
Many died... as average citizens put their lives on the line, taking part in demonstrations to end corruption and state violence.
Ultimately it lead to the fall of the oppressive Rhee Syngman government.
To remember and pay tribute to these heroes, a commemorative event was held at the April 19 National Cemetery.
Kim Mok-yeon takes us there.
Today marks the 58th anniversary of the April 19 revolution.
On April 19th, 1960,... Korea saw one of its strongest political protests, leading to the resignation of the nation's first president Rhee Syng-man.
Many sacrificed their lives in the name of democracy on that day which became a key moment in Korean history.
"Fifty eight years have passed, and a state ceremony commemorating the pro-democracy movement... took place here at the April 19th National Cemetery in Seoul, which is the final resting place of some 400 revolutionaries who fought for the freedom of people."
More than 2,500 people, including families of victims, officials and citizens attended Thursday's ceremony to pay their respects to the brave students and activists who died fighting for democracy.
Though President Moon Jae-in did not take part in this year's ceremony, he visited the cemetery and paid his respects in the early morning hours... together with some of his top aides.
Instead of President Moon, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivered a commemoratory speech, where he praised the April 19th revolution for being the basis for the nation's democratization movement.
"Through the candle light vigils last year, we learned that the new goal is to observe justice and fairness in all aspects.
We need to observe democracy in all sectors and narrow the gap in terms of gender, class, age and region. The Moon Jae-in administration will faithfully work to fulfill this task."
Alongside government officials and the bereaved family members, normal citizens also paid tribute to the freedom fighters.
"I've only learned about the April 19 Revolution through history textbooks. But after I came here I realized the importance of the event, and how it made possible the democratic Korean society of today."
"I value the April 19 spirit a lot. I come here every year to pay tribute. I hope that the new generation can pay more interest on this significant day."
The host of the event, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, said that for this year's event they prepared musical performances and a special play that depicts the life of the independence fighters,... in order to revive the meaning of the April 19 revolution,... and inspire people to strive for a brighter democratic future in Korea.
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.
58 years ago today, one of the most important political protests in South Korean history took place.
Many died... as average citizens put their lives on the line, taking part in demonstrations to end corruption and state violence.
Ultimately it lead to the fall of the oppressive Rhee Syngman government.
To remember and pay tribute to these heroes, a commemorative event was held at the April 19 National Cemetery.
Kim Mok-yeon takes us there.
Today marks the 58th anniversary of the April 19 revolution.
On April 19th, 1960,... Korea saw one of its strongest political protests, leading to the resignation of the nation's first president Rhee Syng-man.
Many sacrificed their lives in the name of democracy on that day which became a key moment in Korean history.
"Fifty eight years have passed, and a state ceremony commemorating the pro-democracy movement... took place here at the April 19th National Cemetery in Seoul, which is the final resting place of some 400 revolutionaries who fought for the freedom of people."
More than 2,500 people, including families of victims, officials and citizens attended Thursday's ceremony to pay their respects to the brave students and activists who died fighting for democracy.
Though President Moon Jae-in did not take part in this year's ceremony, he visited the cemetery and paid his respects in the early morning hours... together with some of his top aides.
Instead of President Moon, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivered a commemoratory speech, where he praised the April 19th revolution for being the basis for the nation's democratization movement.
"Through the candle light vigils last year, we learned that the new goal is to observe justice and fairness in all aspects.
We need to observe democracy in all sectors and narrow the gap in terms of gender, class, age and region. The Moon Jae-in administration will faithfully work to fulfill this task."
Alongside government officials and the bereaved family members, normal citizens also paid tribute to the freedom fighters.
"I've only learned about the April 19 Revolution through history textbooks. But after I came here I realized the importance of the event, and how it made possible the democratic Korean society of today."
"I value the April 19 spirit a lot. I come here every year to pay tribute. I hope that the new generation can pay more interest on this significant day."
The host of the event, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, said that for this year's event they prepared musical performances and a special play that depicts the life of the independence fighters,... in order to revive the meaning of the April 19 revolution,... and inspire people to strive for a brighter democratic future in Korea.
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.