81st Anniversary of Liberation Day: Community Health Walking Event
On the morning of August 15th, Liberation Day, the citizens of Ham-an gathered to commemorate the noble spirit of freedom. I attended the '81st Anniversary of Liberation Day Community Health Walking Event' and would like to share the moments of joy and togetherness experienced there.
The soccer field at the Chilwon Water Recycling Center was bustling with citizens as early as 6:30 AM. Participants received small Korean flags at the information booth and greeted their families, friends, and neighbors while reflecting on the significance of Liberation Day.
In front of the event area, there was a line of prizes including home appliances and agricultural products. On either side of the booths, preparations were underway for hometown love donations, rice cake sharing, and the distribution of powdered grain drinks. This year, Ham-an County seems genuinely committed to promoting the hometown love donation program, which is evident as booths are present at every festival.
As the clock struck 6:30, the opening ceremony began. A large Korean flag was unfurled, and participants saluted the flag while paying tribute to the fallen heroes with a moment of silence followed by a cheer for liberation. The sight of the flag alone evokes deep emotions. The opening remarks included heartfelt prayers for the stability of local farmers and residents suffering from drought.
Before the main walk commenced, everyone participated in a warm-up exercise to music, ensuring they were prepared for a safe and healthy completion of the event. The simple and easy movements allowed everyone to follow along smoothly.
With the starting signal, around 2,000 participants took their first steps together, waving their flags or attaching them to bags and hats in celebration of freedom.
The walking course started from the Chilwon Water Recycling Center soccer field, passing through the Okgok fields and the banks of the Gwangnyeo Stream, covering a distance of 2.5 km in approximately 40 minutes. The sight of everyone walking in unison was truly magnificent.
Along the route, participants were provided with water, drinks, towels, mesh bags, and a prize ticket for the event. Upon opening the bag given by the health center, I found medical supplies inside! Additionally, safety personnel were stationed at various booths to ensure orderly movement.
From early morning, not only adults but also children and pets joined in to share the meaning of Liberation Day. In an era where there are millions of pet owners, the sight of people walking with their dogs was quite impressive.
Participants enjoyed the fresh morning air and the beauty of nature transitioning into autumn as they walked through the lush green fields and along the Gwangnyeo Stream. The atmosphere was filled with refreshment and tranquility.
After successfully completing the course, participants returned to the soccer field, feeling a sense of accomplishment. A refreshing powdered grain drink and delicious rice cakes were provided to all participants. We are grateful to the volunteers at various booths.
Following the walking event, the much-anticipated prize drawing took place. Prizes ranged from large TVs to bicycles, local specialties like rice and peppers, essential goods, and nutritional supplements. Cheers and applause erupted each time a winning number was announced. This marked the conclusion of the two-hour event.
The '81st Anniversary of Liberation Day Community Health Walking Event' was more than just a health walk; it was a meaningful gathering that shared the joy and gratitude of liberation while fostering warm connections among citizens. We look forward to a hopeful and vibrant future for Ham-an County.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224381577151
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