Seoul's Guro-gu to mark Patriots and Veterans Month with June 12 ceremony

Seoul's Guro-gu district will hold a ceremony on June 12 to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Korean War and Patriots and Veterans Month.

Held under the theme "The smiles they protected, the gratitude we pass on," the event is intended to honor the sacrifice and dedication of war veterans and national heroes. District Mayor Jang In-hong will attend alongside leaders of veterans' organizations, Korea Veterans Association officials and other members — about 300 people in total.

The ceremony opens at 2 p.m. with a memorial service at the Korean War Veterans Monument in Guro Street Park, where attendees will lay flowers and pay their respects to fallen soldiers.

A pre-ceremony program begins at 2:50 p.m. in the main auditorium of Guro Community Center, featuring a commemorative video and a live performance by an electric string ensemble.

The main ceremony will present commendations to 18 veterans recognized for their contributions to local veterans' welfare projects and the promotion of patriotic spirit. A commemorative video featuring interviews with Korean War and Vietnam War veterans will follow, offering a moment to reflect on the realities of war and the meaning of life in its aftermath. The event will close with a commemorative performance and a communal singing of the "June 25 Song."

"I hope this ceremony serves as an opportunity to deeply engrave in our hearts the patriotic spirit of those who devoted themselves to the nation," Jang said. He added that the district would continue working to improve veterans' welfare so that war veterans and their families can live with pride and dignity.

Jang won reelection in the June 3 local elections with 58.75 percent of the vote. He first took office as Guro-gu district mayor after winning a by-election on April 3 last year, returning to the post roughly 14 months later.