Gwangju Patriots and Veterans Affairs Office Pays Tribute at the Grave of Independence Declaration Activist Yang Hanmuk

The Gwangju Regional Veterans Office paid respects at the grave of independence activist Yang Hanmuk Jigang, one of the 33 national representatives, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the March 1st Movement. Provided by Gwangju Veterans Office

Gwangju Regional Veterans Affairs Office (Director Kim Seokgi) announced on the 26th that it paid tribute at the grave of independence activist Jigang Yang Hanmuk, one of the 33 national representatives, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the March 1st Movement.

The memorial ceremony, held at the grave of Jigang Yang Hanmuk in Aengnam-ri, Hwasun-eup, Jeollanam-do, was attended by Yang Boseung, the great-grandson of the independence activist, Kim Seokgi, Director of the Gwangju Regional Veterans Affairs Office, Koo Bokgyu, Mayor of Hwasun-gun, as well as the Chief of Hwasun Police Station, Chief of Hwasun Fire Station, Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 95th Brigade, and the Regional Commander of Hwasun-gun.

Jigang Yang Hanmuk (April 1862 - May 1919) was the only representative from the Honam region among the 33 who led the March 1st Declaration of Independence in 1919. At the age of 58, he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1919, was arrested, and devoted himself to the anti-Japanese and independence movement until he died as a martyr in Seodaemun Prison on May 26 due to aftereffects of torture. In recognition of his achievements, the government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Presidential Medal, in 1962.

Kim Seokgi, Director of the Gwangju Regional Veterans Affairs Office, said, "We planned this tribute event to honor the patriotic forefathers and to succeed the spirit of independence of the activist through a memorial ceremony at the graves of independence patriots with everyone participating," and added, "We will strive to make living veterans affairs a part of daily life, and ensure it is for everyone."

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