General Hong Beom-do laid to rest at Hyeonchungwon... Moon "General's return, hope for the people" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The remains of General Hong Beom-do, an independence activist who had been resting in Kazakhstan, returned to his homeland after 78 years and were interred on the 18th in the 3rd Independence Patriots' Cemetery at Daejeon National Cemetery. President Moon Jae-in, who attended the interment ceremony, stated, "The general's return will be a great hope for all the people of the Republic of Korea."

In his memorial speech at the interment ceremony at Daejeon National Cemetery that morning, President Moon said, "As we enshrine the general here, we reaffirm our commitment to continuously advance toward the Republic of Korea that our ancestors dreamed of."

President Moon emphasized, "It has truly taken a long time?101 years since the Battles of Bongodong and Cheongsanri, and 78 years since the general passed away far from home. Reflecting on the hardships of our ancestors, we must build a prosperous country that no one dares to challenge, a strong nation respected in the international community."

The remains of General Hong, repatriated from Kazakhstan to mark this year's Liberation Day, underwent a national memorial event on the 16th and 17th. On the day of the ceremony, led by the representative of the Namyang Hong clan, whose portrait was enshrined, the remains were moved to the 3rd Independence Patriots' Cemetery by the Ministry of National Defense honor guard. Upon transfer to the tomb, the Taegeukgi flag covering the coffin was respectfully folded by the honor guard.

After the burial, the President and First Lady completed the ceremony by mixing soil from General Hong's gravesite in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan, with soil from the Republic of Korea. This soil was presented by President Tokayev of Kazakhstan during his state visit to Korea on the 16th and 17th. The memorial wreaths for the floral tribute were also made using carnations, a symbol of remembrance in Kazakhstan, together with chrysanthemums, the symbol of mourning in Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.