제58주년 4•19혁명 기념식 거행<br /><br /> 58 years ago today, one of the most important political protests in South Korean history took place.<br />Many died... as average citizens put their lives on the line, taking part in demonstrations to end corruption and state violence.<br />Ultimately it lead to the fall of the oppressive Rhee Syngman government.<br />To remember and pay tribute to these heroes, a commemorative event was held at the April 19 National Cemetery.<br />Kim Mok-yeon takes us there. <br /> <br /> Today marks the 58th anniversary of the April 19 revolution. <br />On April 19th, 1960,... Korea saw one of its strongest political protests, leading to the resignation of the nation's first president Rhee Syng-man.<br />Many sacrificed their lives in the name of democracy on that day which became a key moment in Korean history.<br /><br /> "Fifty eight years have passed, and a state ceremony commemorating the pro-democracy movement... took place here at the April 19th National Cemetery in Seoul, which is the final resting place of some 400 revolutionaries who fought for the freedom of people."<br /><br />More than 2,500 people, including families of victims, officials and citizens attended Thursday's ceremony to pay their respects to the brave students and activists who died fighting for democracy.<br /><br /> Though President Moon Jae-in did not take part in this year's ceremony, he visited the cemetery and paid his respects in the early morning hours... together with some of his top aides.<br />Instead of President Moon, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivered a commemoratory speech, where he praised the April 19th revolution for being the basis for the nation's democratization movement.<br /><br /> "Through the candle light vigils last year, we learned that the new goal is to observe justice and fairness in all aspects.<br />We need to observe democracy in all sectors and narrow the gap in terms of gender, class, age and region. The Moon Jae-in administration will faithfully work to fulfill this task."<br /><br /> Alongside government officials and the bereaved family members, normal citizens also paid tribute to the freedom fighters.<br /><br /> "I've only learned about the April 19 Revolution through history textbooks. But after I came here I realized the importance of the event, and how it made possible the democratic Korean society of today."<br /><br /> "I value the April 19 spirit a lot. I come here every year to pay tribute. I hope that the new generation can pay more interest on this significant day."<br /><br /> The host of the event, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, said that for this year's event they prepared musical performances and a special play that depicts the life of the independence fighters,... in order to revive the meaning of the April 19 revolution,... and inspire people to strive for a brighter democratic future in Korea.<br /><br />Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News. <br />
