Memorial Day is observed in South Korea every June 6 to honor those who died while serving in the military, particularly during the Korean War. The day was first commemorated in 1956 and is marked by a solemn remembrance ceremony at the National Cemetery in Seoul. At 10 a.m., a siren sounds nationwide to signal a moment of silence for prayer and contemplation. The national flag is flown at half-mast throughout the day. Approximately 660,000 South Korean soldiers lost their lives during the Korean War, and subsequent conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, resulted in additional casualties. Memorial Day serves as a significant occasion for reflecting on the sacrifices made by military personnel in various wars and peacekeeping operations.