National Management of Graves for Independence Patriots Nationwide

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 19 Jan.2021 10:14(KST)

Students and residents participating in the annual reenactment event of the April 4th Independence Movement, held by the Gangjin Cultural Center (Director Won Yong-ho) to carry on the spirit of the patriots who led the first independence movement in Jeonnam during the Japanese colonial period, are honoring and commemorating the noble patriotism of the independence activists.

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] A systematic management system will be established for the graves of independence patriots individually buried in places other than national cemeteries.

On the 19th, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced that the revision of the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of Independence Patriots," which includes provisions to systematically manage the graves of independence patriots located outside national cemeteries through a status survey, was approved at the Cabinet meeting.

According to the revision, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs must conduct a status survey on the locations and conditions of the graves of patriotic martyrs and deceased patriots who are not buried in national cemeteries. To establish a communication system with the relatives of independence patriots or grave managers, the ministry is allowed to request data from local governments and other related organizations.

For the graves of independence patriots identified through the status survey, the ministry will first promote relocation to national cemeteries in consultation with the bereaved families. If they wish to preserve the graves on site, support for repair and maintenance will be provided. As of the end of last year, among approximately 16,000 deceased independence patriots, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has identified that about 12,000 graves, excluding around 4,000 buried in national cemeteries, are located in various places domestically and abroad.