The National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul [Yonhap]
The National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul [Yonhap]

The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced Friday that silence sirens will sound across the country for one minute starting at 10 a.m. Saturday to mark the 71st Memorial Day commemoration ceremony.

The sirens are intended to honor the patriotic spirit of those who gave their lives defending the nation and its people. They will ring simultaneously nationwide so that all citizens can observe a moment of silence wherever they are.

Jang Han, the ministry's civil defense review officer, urged the public not to be alarmed. "The siren sounding that day is not a civil defense alert signaling an enemy attack," he said. "When you hear it, please pause what you are doing and join in one minute of silent reflection with a solemn heart."

The Memorial Day ceremony will be held Saturday at the Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu. Held under the theme "We will remember, record and fulfill our responsibilities," the event is open to all members of the public without a separate invitation.


thlee@heraldcorp.com