North Gyeongsang education office holds memorial ceremony, patriotic walk for fallen student soldiers

The North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education held the "2026 Memorial Ceremony for Fallen Student Volunteer Soldiers and Patriotic Walk" on Saturday at Jangsa Landing Operation Victory Memorial Park in Yeongdeok-gun, drawing about 1,500 participants — including students, parents and teachers from more than 150 schools across the province, Korean War veterans, veterans' families and local residents.

Held under the theme "Today Blooming from the Courage of Small Heroes," the event honored the sacrifice and dedication of student volunteer soldiers who left for the battlefield in their school uniforms to defend their country during the Korean War.

This year's event went beyond a simple memorial, taking on added significance as an experience-based patriotic education program in which students, parents, teachers, war veterans and veterans' organizations all took part together.

The day began with a patriotic walk that kicked off at 9 a.m. at Namjeong Elementary School. Participants walked roughly 2 kilometers from the school to the Jangsa Landing Operation Victory Monument, taking in storytelling exhibitions along the route that highlighted the historical significance of the Jangsa landing operation.

A solemn memorial ceremony for the fallen student volunteer soldiers was then held in front of the Victory Monument.

Following the ceremony, students from the North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education's musical arts class performed a special production titled "I Was the Mother of a Student Soldier." The performance captured the sacrifice and courage of young men who had no choice but to take up arms for their country, as well as the anguish of families who had to send their children to war, leaving a strong impression on the audience.

The Republic of Korea Air Force aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, also performed a celebratory flyover above the venue.

In his memorial address, North Gyeongsang Provincial Superintendent of Education Im Jong-sik said the noble spirit of sacrifice shown by student soldiers who went to the front in their school uniforms "resonates deeply with all of us living today and reminds us of our responsibilities." He added that "the peace we enjoy in today's Republic of Korea was made possible by their courage and dedication."

Im said the provincial education office would further strengthen patriotic and veterans' education "so that students can grow into democratic citizens who learn history correctly and practice the values of peace."