Over 200 Holy Seeds School students visit Seoul National Cemetery during Patriots and Veterans Month

More than 200 students from Holy Seeds School (HSS), the Sunday school program of Holy Seeds Church, visited Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of the nation's fallen patriots and war heroes during June's Patriots and Veterans Month.

The students visited Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on Thursday, laying flowers at the Memorial Tower and paying their respects. The event was organized to convey the meaning of patriotism to the next generation and to foster a sense of historical responsibility.

Holy Seeds Church Senior Pastor Seo Dae-cheon, who led the group, said it is important for young people to develop a sense of responsibility toward their country and community.

"History carries far greater meaning when experienced firsthand, beyond simply acquiring knowledge," Pastor Seo said. "I hope that through this visit to Seoul National Cemetery, the students will learn the spirit of those who devoted themselves to the country and grow into leaders who will shape the future of South Korea."

He added that South Korea's rise to global prominence was made possible by the dedication and sacrifice of countless individuals. "I hope the students will carry a sense of patriotism and community and grow into leaders for a global era," he said.

Walking through the cemetery grounds, the students experienced firsthand the history they had previously encountered only in textbooks.

Student Lee Si-won said the visit prompted fresh reflection. "Visiting Seoul National Cemetery made me think again about how the freedom and peace we enjoy are never a given," she said. "I want to remember the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for the country and live as a responsible citizen."

Student Moon Hyeon-seo said the experience left a deep impression. "I felt that the sacrifice of the fallen patriots is not a story of the past but the force sustaining South Korea today," she said. "I came away with a sense of mission that our generation must carry on that spirit and protect the future."

Parents who accompanied the group said the visit served as a living history lesson for their children.

The students placed chrysanthemums before grave markers and bowed their heads, each leaving with a personal resolve — that South Korea today was preserved through someone's sacrifice, and that carrying on that spirit now falls to them. Parent Yoo Ji-hye said the outing gave children a chance to see and feel the history they had only read about in books. "It was a precious time for them to naturally come to understand that South Korea today stands on the foundation of countless sacrifices and acts of devotion," she said.

Through the visit, the HSS students and parents reaffirmed the value of freedom and peace and pledged to remember and carry on the legacy of the nation's fallen patriots and war heroes.

Holy Seeds School plans to continue supporting young people in developing a sound sense of national identity and community through a range of history and character education programs.