"Thank You for Not Forgetting": Youth and Citizens Connect with National Heroes Across South Korea
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From October 1 to 8, 2026, 69 Volunteers Across Gongju, Hanam, Dongjak, and Gwangju Provided Tailored Honor Care to 90 Veterans and Bereaved Families Through Custom Albums, Letters, and Escort Services
💬 "Thank you for taking the time and effort for us older veterans."
— A 6.25 Korean War Veteran in Hanam, Moved to Tears by a Citizen's Handwritten Letter
Expressing gratitude to those who served the country does not always require grand ceremonies. A simple conversation, a thoughtful gift, or a hand to lean on while walking can convey deep respect.
From October 1 to 8, 2026, four regional branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group—Gongju, Hanam, Dongjak, and Gwangju—conducted a series of relay patriotic care activities under the title "Happy Companion." A total of 69 volunteers (38 internal, 31 external) mobilized to serve 90 national heroes, including Korean War veterans, decorated war veterans, and bereaved families of fallen soldiers.
Gongju: A Customized Memory Album for a General's Descendant
In Gongju, volunteers visited a 6.25 Korean War veteran who is a descendant of General Yun Gwan:
Tailored Honor: Volunteers compiled and presented a special custom album titled "Hero’s Story" featuring photos of Dr. Yun Bong-gil (a historic independence activist sharing the same ancestry) alongside photos of the veteran's own life.
Warm Care: Accompanied by soy milk for health support, the album served to document and honor the veteran's lifelong dedication to the country for future generations to remember.
Hanam: Connecting Citizens and Veterans Through Rose of Sharon & Hand Letters
In Hanam, volunteers partnered with the Local Patriotic Service Association to engage everyday citizens in patriotic care:
Spreading National Symbols: Volunteers distributed Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon, Korea’s national flower) to 50 citizens, encouraging reflection on the sacrifices of national heroes.
Handwritten Gratitude: 15 local citizens personally penned thank-you letters, which were delivered directly to Korean War veterans.
Citizen Reflection: One citizen participant noted: "Writing this letter made me realize once again that our everyday peace exists because of their sacrifices. It inspired me to cherish our country even more."
Dongjak: Extending Patriotic Care into Cultural Life
In Dongjak, the branch invited members of local patriotic groups—including the War Decorated Veterans Association, the Bereaved Families of Fallen Soldiers Association, and the Korean War Veterans Association—to a local church art exhibition:
Cultural Enjoyment: Volunteers provided exhibition catalogs, offered tea, and engaged in gentle conversations, creating a comfortable environment for elderly veterans to enjoy visual arts.
Daily Respect: This effort expanded traditional care beyond simple material support into everyday cultural enrichment and personal connection.
Gwangju: Vehicle Escort and Site Cleanup at Memorial Tower
In Gwangju, volunteers provided mobility support for senior veterans and bereaved families attending a memorial service:
Escort & Commemoration: Volunteers offered vehicle transportation and mobility assistance for 36 elderly veterans and family members visiting the Gwangju-Jeonnam Student Memorial Tower, while also presenting them with custom patriotic necklaces.
Site Restoration: Following the ceremony, volunteers cleaned the area surrounding the memorial tower, collecting 50 liters of waste to ensure the sacred space remained pristine.
Partner Recognition: A representative from the Association of Bereaved Families of Fallen Soldiers shared: "We are truly grateful for their help. Without the volunteer group, managing the event would have been very difficult."
Remembering Sacrifice Through Daily Practice
The relay activities across these four regions demonstrated that honoring national heroes is an ongoing practice embedded in daily life. Whether crafting a photo album, organizing hand-written letters, offering an arm for support, or sweeping a memorial site, these grounded actions ensure that the legacy of sacrifice is respectfully remembered across generations.
Source: https://vo.la/HZwYnqy
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