Descendant of Independence Activist, Protecting Dokdo Patrol Ship... A Letter of Thanks from an Octogenarian

Elderly Resident of Gyeonggi-do Sends Message of Gratitude

A story has been shared about Police Officer Lee Dae-ho, a descendant of an independence activist, receiving a handwritten letter while serving on the Dokdo patrol ship 3007.

A handwritten letter received by Sergeant Lee Dae-ho, a descendant of an independence activist.
[Image source=Donghae Coast Guard]

On the 22nd, the East Sea Maritime Police Agency announced that a letter was recently delivered to Officer Lee, the great-great-grandson of Lee Moon-jae, a recipient of the Patriotic Service Medal for participating in the March 1st Movement. The letter was a heartfelt handwritten message sent by Jeong Jong-ryeon (85), a senior citizen residing in Gyeonggi Province.

Mr. Jeong began the letter with the words, "I extend my respect and consolation to you, who are serving aboard the Dokdo patrol ship 3007 as a descendant of the independence activist, my great-great-grandfather, dedicating yourself to the patriotic and loyal maritime police duties." The letter continued, "As a descendant of your honorable great-grandfather, your warm heart and demeanor express respect for the spirit of the independence activists and their loyalty to the nation," and "On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, I wish you health and good fortune." The letter was carefully decorated with a photo of red plum blossoms cut out in the shape of the Korean Peninsula.

Unfortunately, Officer Lee was dispatched the day after receiving the letter to carry out maritime patrol duties around Dokdo and is still on duty there, so he was unable to visit Mr. Jeong in person to express his thanks. Instead, he first sent a thank-you message via text. He plans to personally convey his gratitude after completing his mission.

Officer Lee said, "The heartfelt handwritten letter of encouragement from Mr. Jeong Jong-ryeon has once again strengthened my resolve to protect Dokdo, a symbol of our national pride," and added, "I will continue to do my best to protect Dokdo and uphold the spirit of patriotism inherited from my great-great-grandfather, ensuring the safety of our people and protecting lives."

Meanwhile, Lee Moon-jae was from Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do, and participated in the independence movement on April 7, 1919, in Hwagaeri and Hongseong-ri, Janggok-myeon, Hongseong-gun, Chungnam. On that day, he and about 300 villagers actively resisted Japanese rule by carrying sticks and hoes, shouting for independence, and burning important documents at the township office. In recognition of his contributions, the government posthumously awarded him the Patriotic Service Medal in 1996.

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