In this blog post, we’ll explore how to prepare a memorial speech for the April 19 Revolution that balances historical context, core values, and its significance today.
Hello.
We have now reached the 50th anniversary of the April 19 Revolution. I wonder how you remember the April 19 Revolution. History is like a castle built brick by brick. Just as you cannot build the next layer without a solid foundation below, we stand today upon countless historical events. The life we enjoy now is also the result of such accumulation. Today, let us talk about the April 19 Revolution.
What happened in 1910? An eternally shameful and unforgettable event occurred: the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty. Following this, we entered the period of Japanese colonial rule. Amidst the resistance of countless national fighters and the people, we finally achieved liberation. Of course, from a historical perspective, independence was not solely the result of our people’s efforts, but was largely due to the conclusion of World War II and shifts in the international political landscape. Japan found itself in a position where it could no longer dominate us. Consequently, we achieved liberation amidst the restructuring of the international order. However, after liberation, our society plunged into extreme political and economic chaos. The 38th parallel was drawn, and ultimately, the Korean War broke out.
Taking advantage of this chaos, dishonest individuals seized control of the nation. They prioritized their own interests over the public good. This is not the time or place for a history lecture, so I encourage you to research the specifics yourselves. What is clear, however, is that this brazen regime mobilized every means to maintain power, ultimately resorting to electoral fraud. The presidential and vice-presidential elections held on March 15, 1960, under the Syngman Rhee regime were elections marred by systematic fraud. In response, students took to the streets, and citizens followed. They halted a regime that deserved judgment before history. The resistance that spread nationwide starting on April 19 ultimately led to the president’s resignation. Through the April 19 Revolution, we witnessed the seeds of democracy sprouting from the ground.
Now, let us look at the present. What is the reality today? Even as the situation is so unstable, are you paying attention to the state of the nation? Are you perhaps pretending not to know, even though you are aware?
Ignorance of what is wrong is less dangerous than the attitude of knowing yet turning a blind eye, which can lead to far more perilous consequences. If one does not know, teach them to understand; make them realize so they can act. But to know and ignore is to have already made a value judgment and chosen silence. That is not ignorance; it is indifference.
If you see something wrong, you must uncover it. Once uncovered, you must take action to correct it. That is the only way to diagnose and heal the chronic illness of a decaying era. If you know of the disease but do not treat it, that disease will eventually consume the entire community.
We tend to prefer the new over the old. The new often appears more dazzling on the surface, seems to offer more functionality, and above all, to the trend-sensitive younger generation, it might feel like the obvious choice to align with the times. So, there will be those who seek the new unconditionally.
But can we truly declare the spirit of past eras to be outdated? Is the spirit of our own era truly healthy? While we live in a civilization far more advanced than the past, are we not, in the realm of spirit, actually falling behind? Are we not just passively watching what the government does, standing by and observing? Are we not pretending not to know, even when we do? With this attitude, we cannot bring about any change.
It is April 19th. That day when the square was filled with fighting spirit has returned. Time has passed, and the era has changed. Yet the courage and critical spirit of the citizens who filled the square that day are by no means relics of the past. They still pose valid questions to us living today.
We must recall that critical spirit and become citizens who can raise our voices when necessary. The word “struggle” does not necessarily mean violent conflict. It is an attitude that confronts indifference and irresponsibility, the courage to take a step toward justice. Let us live from this moment onward with an active spirit and action. Let us not simply swallow what is given to us.
Your small act of concern can change the nation. It can change society. And it can change each and every one of your lives. History is not made solely by great figures. It is shaped by the choices and actions of nameless citizens coming together.
Let us not forget the critical spirit of the April 19 Revolution. For it is not merely a commemorative date from the past, but our attitude as we live today.
Thank you.
