I spent many years immersed in deep grief after losing my son while he was serving in the military. Yet even in that despair, I continued to dream of peace, hoping with all my heart that wars would end and that no more children would have to make such sacrifices.

I know well that it is not easy to draw public attention or bring about changes in policies and institutions. But thanks to local neighbors and civic organizations that walked this difficult path with us, we were able to raise our voices.

For years, we continuously appealed for the basic rights that should have been guaranteed to us. As a result, the fourth Friday of April was designated as “Day of the Fallen Military and Police,” ensuring that those who lost their lives in service and their bereaved families receive the recognition and respect they deserve. The day has also become a meaningful occasion for all of us to reflect once again on the spirit of patriotism.

Today, I devote myself to supporting people who have experienced what I have, while creating small but meaningful changes in my community. A single act may bring people together and plant seeds of hope in a community that once endured tremendous hardship.

Memorial ceremonies cannot bring our children back. But they have provided great comfort to parents and families who continue to carry their pain day after day.

I hope that everyone can enjoy a peaceful everyday life. To make that possible, I hope we can create more opportunities to remember and honor peace.

April 26 is observed as International Women’s Peace Day, a day when women around the world affirm that they are agents of peace and stand together in solidarity. This year, peace campaigns held in Gangneung and various other communities grew beyond simple events into celebrations of peace culture, spreading the message of peace more widely throughout society.

We must continue to dream of a world without war so that the sacrifices of those who came before us are not in vain. We must also work steadily to ensure that peace can be safely passed on to the next generation.

Peace does not come only from distant places. It blossoms like a flower through the courageous actions of individuals in their everyday lives.

Women have long served as strong bridges to the future of peace by keeping dialogue alive within their communities, resolving conflicts, and bringing people together. International Women’s Peace Day reminds us of this strength and calls on all of us to recognize that we are agents of peace who can create change together.

I hope we can all continue taking small steps toward peace in our daily lives. Listening to the pain of our neighbors, respecting our differences, and reaching out in solidarity can come together to create a greater peace.

Peace cannot be achieved alone. When women and men, older generations and young people all stand together, true peace can finally blossom in our world.

Let us carry hope and courage in our hearts and continue the journey toward peace together.

Jang Hye-sook, Secretary General, Korea Association of Bereaved Parents of Fallen Military Personnel