78th Liberation Day Commemorative Address
To the independence fighters and the families of those who sacrificed,
the 3 million residents of Incheon and the 7.5 million overseas Koreans.
Today, we commemorate the 78th anniversary of our liberation.
Incheon's March 1st Movement commenced at Changyeong Elementary School in Incheon
and rapidly resonated throughout the city.
Today, we mark the 78th anniversary of that momentous day
when our people discovered a glimmer of hope.
Liberation was achieved, and our nation was reclaimed.
The Korean flag, Taegeukgi, meticulously crafted from cotton cloth
by the young hands of elementary school students, proudly fluttered
not only on Ganghwa Island but also on smaller islands such as Yongyu and Deokjeok.
As long as we could attain national independence and liberation, there was nothing to fear.
While they may not be widely recognized,
Incheon was home to remarkable independence fighters
and unsung heroes who illuminated their era.
Countless individuals made significant sacrifices during a desperate struggle for independence.
Hence, our liberation was not handed to us by someone else;
it was the result of our own determined struggle.
It is essential that we etch the profound significance of Liberation Day deeply into our hearts.
We pay our respects with boundless reverence
and gratitude for the noble commitment of our patriotic ancestors who,
by overcoming darkness and shining as beacons of light,
became the driving force behind the advancement of Incheon and the Republic of Korea.
In just 57 years, our nation has transformed
from a developing country into an economically advanced nation.
We have transitioned from being a recipient of aid to a provider of assistance to others.
The freedom, equality, peace, and happiness that Korea,
a cultural powerhouse renowned for its K-soft power, enjoys today are not to be taken for granted.
This is a blessing achieved through the sacrifices of countless individuals.
We must always remember the brave courage and noble spirit of sacrifice
exhibited by our forebears, who toiled tirelessly to make all of this a reality.
Reflecting on history, Incheon was the spark of the March 1st Movement,
the focal point of liberation, and the Republic of Korea's final stronghold during wartime crises.
September 15, 1950 also marked a pivotal moment
that altered the fate of the Republic of Korea in Incheon—the day of the Incheon Landing Operation.
If the foundation of today's Republic of Korea and Incheon lies in the spirit of liberation,
the Incheon Landing Operation was a historical turning point
that rescued the Republic of Korea from the brink of destruction.
Beginning this year, Incheon-si is committed to
nurturing a deeper understanding of the importance of patriotism
through the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative event.
Furthermore, as we draw closer to the 75th anniversary in 2025,
we have set our sights on elevating the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative event
into an international occasion that represents the Republic of Korea.
In collaboration with our citizens, we will collectively remember, reminisce, reflect,
and make progress as we unite on our journey towards democracy, genuine peace, and freedom.
My esteemed and cherished residents of Incheon,
the dedicated independence fighters and their families, and the overseas Korean community,
Incheon is poised to emerge as the promising future of the Republic of Korea,
wholeheartedly embracing the noble spirit of liberation
and the values embodied by the Incheon Landing Operation.
On June 5th, the Overseas Koreans Agency was opened in Incheon,
enabling us to maintain continuous engagement with our 7.5 million Korean compatriots
and stride forward into an era where Incheon boasts a population of 10 million on a global scale.
We are dedicated to forging a new Incheon, marked by balanced growth and development,
envisioning a future where culture, tourism, and industry seamlessly converge.
As an economic hub with a regional gross domestic product of KRW 100 trillion,
we aim to elevate Incheon's status to become one of the top 10 cities in the world.
Incheon, tracing its history back to the port opening in 1883,
has evolved into a city that embodies inclusiveness and growth.
With the world's premier airport and port, Incheon has earned its place as an international city.
Incheon, at the forefront of democracy in the history of the Republic of Korea,
is moving forward as we prepare to host the 2025 APEC Summit.
Our aim is to transform into a world-class city with contented citizens.
In honor of all our ancestors who, with a fervent desire to reclaim their homeland,
became the guardians of liberation, freedom, and peace through their selfless sacrifices,
we are committed to wholeheartedly supporting the enhancement project.
This initiative aims to pay tribute to the families of veterans and nurture the spirit of patriotism,
further solidifying Incheon's identity as a city of patriots and veterans.
Much like how Incheon was proudly designated as the nation's first city of patriots
and veterans during the 6th popular election, in the 8th popular election,
we are embarking on a second-stage project
to continue fostering the spirit of patriotism and devotion.
I would like to emphasize our firm commitment to solidifying Incheon's position
as a city of patriots and veterans through a range of initiatives,
including the establishment of the Integrated Veterans Hall.
I extend my sincere thanks to Hong Ki-hu,
the Director of the Incheon branch of the Liberation Association,
and all the dedicated members of veterans' organizations
who have honored us with their presence on this meaningful day.
Furthermore, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation
to the independence fighters and their bereaved families.
I would like to reiterate my deep appreciation and respect for your unwavering commitment
to ensuring that we can live in a land brimming with freedom, equality, peace, and happiness.
We extend our warmest wishes for the health and happiness of all those who are part of this journey.
Thank you.
