In June, Korea’s Month of Patriots and Veterans, IWPG members across the country met with war veterans and visited historic sites to remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the country.

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) shares the value of peace with local communities through its monthly “World Women’s Peace Network Regular Meetings.” In June, under the theme “The Path to Peace, Remembrance and Empathy,” IWPG branches across Korea organized a range of activities, including events honoring veterans, visits to historic sites, and peace campaigns involving local citizens.

From Memorial Day to June 25: Women Gather at Sites of Remembrance

June began with remembrance.

On June 4, 30 members of the Jinju Branch visited the Memorial Tower honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, and laid flowers in tribute. The members expressed their hope of returning to the site every year to convey their gratitude.

On June 6, Korea’s Memorial Day, several IWPG branches across the country participated in commemorative events.

The Gunsan Branch attended the 71st Memorial Day ceremony at Gunsan Patriotic Forest and paid tribute to those who gave their lives for the country. The Chungju Branch attended a memorial ceremony at the Tangeumdae Memorial Tower and then invited 13 representatives from local veterans’ organizations to its branch office for a luncheon.

The Iksan Branch also attended a Memorial Day ceremony at Palbong Military and Police Cemetery and met with representatives of local veterans’ organizations, including groups representing recipients of special mission service awards, bereaved families of fallen military and police personnel, and Korean War veterans.

The Suncheon Branch met with citizens at Jorye Lake Park as part of the “PLACE (Peace as Lived And Connected Experience)” campaign. Citizens participated by writing messages of gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the country and placing stickers, helping keep their memories alive.

On June 25, the Gunsan Branch attended a ceremony marking the 76th anniversary of the Korean War at Gunsan City Hall. More than 150 people gathered to reflect on the meaning of the Korean War through a moment of silence and commemorative remarks.

Learning Peace at Historic Sites

If remembrance was about looking back on the past, visiting historic sites provided an opportunity to face that history more directly.

On June 18, the Yeosu-Suncheon Union visited the Honam National Defense and Patriots Memorial Hall under the theme “From Remembrance to Peace, Creating Tomorrow Together.” Thirty-five members looked back on the history of war with a guide, participated in PLACE peace-recording activities, and took part in networking.

The Mokpo Branch visited the Mokpo Modern History Museum with 24 members to reflect on the historical value of the region and the meaning of peace today. Participants said the visit gave them an opportunity to appreciate once again the value of the peace they enjoy today. They also joined with figures from the media, culture, and other fields to build a community-based network for spreading a culture of peace.

The Daejeon Branch began its meeting by paying respects at the Memorial Tower at the National Daejeon Cemetery. Members then listened to a mini-lecture by the chairman of the Daejeon Metropolitan City chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, followed by a peace quiz and a “Piece-ging” activity, connecting the remembrance of history with the practice of peace.

A Mugunghwa Tree in the DMZ, A Meal for Veterans

On June 19, the joint Paju, Seodaemun, and Eunpyeong Branches visited the Mugunghwa Garden in Tongil Village, located within the Civilian Control Line in Paju.

Under the theme “Planting the Seeds of Peace Beyond the DMZ,” members planted a commemorative Mugunghwa tree together with the Samcheon-ri Mugunghwa Love Association. The event was attended by people from various fields, including the head of a mine-removal research institute, poets, and professors. Poet Gong Seok-jin added meaning to the event by donating a poem titled “Mugunghwa,” written on a traditional scroll, to the Mugunghwa Garden.

On June 26, the Yeonsu Branch visited the Yeonsu Veterans Hall and met with representatives of the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Special Forces Eoullim Volunteer Group. Members served Samgyetang, a traditional Korean chicken soup, as part of a community service activity. They also introduced IWPG and conducted peace education alongside the meal.

On June 30, the Chungju Branch held a World Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting at the Chungju Veterans Hall under the theme “The Path to Peace, Remembrance and Empathy.”

The event began with a luncheon for veterans funded through voluntary contributions from members. It continued with the reading of a letter of gratitude by the Peace Committee chairperson, video messages from children, the presentation of certificates of appreciation and message boards to veterans’ organizations, a performance by a guest singer, and a volunteer activity providing ear acupressure patches.

Remembrance Does Not Stay in the Past

On June 16, the Michuhol Branch held a regular meeting under the theme “The Peace We Must Protect.” Members watched a video about the Korean War and read letters written by student soldiers together. They also made cup coasters using recycled sock loops.

On June 12, the branch held a calligraphy class at Citizens’ Park Avenue featuring phrases related to Korea’s Month of Patriots and Veterans, turning reflections on peace into an everyday form of art.

The Suncheon Branch also held a peace talk on June 18, remembering the sacrifices of war and sharing ways to practice peace in everyday life. Members also agreed to attend the “Peace-Loving Art Exhibition,” scheduled for July, together with local community figures, extending remembrance into efforts to spread a culture of peace.

An IWPG official said, “The peace we enjoy today is possible thanks to the noble sacrifices and dedication of veterans and others who have served and protected our country,” adding, “We will carry forward the spirit of the veterans and take the lead in spreading a culture of peace throughout local communities and around the world.”

Representatives of veterans’ organizations who attended the events also expressed their appreciation, saying, “It is a great source of strength simply to know that you have not forgotten us and continue to remember us. We were even more deeply moved because we could feel the sincerity and heartfelt dedication of the members.”