6.25전쟁 69주년 기념 다채로운 시민참여 행사열려

Many brave soldiers died fighting for freedom and peace during the Korean War.
To remember the fallend heroes, various events took place across the country.
Lee Min-sun was at the National Cemetery, she files us this report.
Hundreds of rice balls were laid out to mark the 69th anniversary of the start of the Korean War on Tuesday at the Seoul National Cemetery. These are similar to the rice balls that the Korean army and refugees ate instead of meals during the war.
Visitors to the cemetery can try one of these rice balls while thinking about the Korean War and the sacrifices of those who fought for the country.
Other events also took place at the National Cemetery.
Visitors wrote a thank you letters to war patriots or made pledges to take care of the graves of those without families or descendants. Since 2018, some 1,400 people have made the pledge.
The National Cemetery recently installed an audio guide system to help visitors who come alone or in small groups. They can simply press a button and follow instructions to offer flowers and pay their respects.
"My father died during the war. I came to see my father who I never met. I hope he rests in peace. I'm proud of him and thankful."
A special tour program ran during the day and at night... for visitors to walk around and collect stamps at major tombs, gravestone and monuments at the cemetery.
The Korean War broke out in 1950 but operations to search for and excavate fallen heroes are still underway. Some 200 articles found from excavations were on display to share the importance of the excavation work and to encourage families of the deceased to turn in their DNA sample to help identify the remains.
"I felt thankful for those who fought for us and for our country."
Through these participatory events, the younger generations who didn't experience the war had the chance to get a better understanding of the sacrifice and dedication of the fallen heroes.
Lee Min-sun Arirang News.