By Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 44th anniversary memorial service for former President Park Chung-hee along with former President Park Geun-hye at the National Cemetery in Seoul on Oct. 26
 

The memorial service for former President Park has been held annually since 1980, organized by the National Revival Association, and this is the first time a sitting president has attended the memorial service. Former President Park Chung-hee's eldest daughter, Park Geun-hye, also attended the memorial service, adding to its significance.

The memorial service began with an opening speech by Chung Jae-ho, chairman of the National Revival Association, followed by the reading of the National Education Charter, which was fostered by the deceased, and the performance of a memorial song by a military band. 

After the official ceremony, President Yoon, along with former President Park Geun-hye and her immediate family members, visited the mausoleum of former President Park Chung-hee to honor his will and achievements.

In his eulogy, President Yoon emphasized that ex-President Park achieved the world-historical feat of the miracle on the Han River by bringing the people together under the banner of "we can do it," and that in the current global crisis, we must re-create the spirit and feat of ex-President Park and build a Korea that leaps forward again using it as a springboard.

The memorial service was attended by the bereaved family members, including former President Park Geun-hye, and Chairman Chung Jae-ho of the National Revival Association, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Senior Vice Chairman Kim Kwan-yong of the Democratic Peace and Unity Party, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and other dignitaries.