Jin Kyo-hoon Honors Fallen Heroes of the Battle of Gaehwasan

Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon attended the 34th Gaehwasan Battle Memorial Ceremony at Gaehwasan Patriot Park on Wednesday, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers who gave their lives defending the country.

In his commemorative address, Jin bowed his head before the war dead and said the freedoms, peace and prosperity South Korea enjoys today were made possible only by the noble sacrifice and commitment of heroes who laid down their lives to protect the Republic of Korea.

He also extended his deepest condolences and respect to the bereaved families who have endured years of grief. "Gangseo-gu will continue to remember this sacred history and spare no effort in honoring and paying proper tribute to all those who sacrificed themselves for the country," he said.

The Gaehwasan area was the site of fierce fighting during the Korean War, where more than 1,100 soldiers of the Army's 1st Infantry Division were killed in action defending the nation.

To honor those who fought, the district erected a memorial monument at Gaehwasan Patriot Park and holds an annual ceremony in their memory.

More than 200 people attended Wednesday's ceremony, including Jin, members of the Gaehwasan Battle Fallen Soldiers Memorial Association (chairman Yang Seung-chun), bereaved families, veterans' organizations and representatives of the Army's 1st Infantry Division. The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by a flower offering and incense burning, a commemorative address and a traditional ritual to comfort the souls of the fallen.