On the 14th, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim invited seven descendants of independence activists currently residing overseas to Dodamso to express his gratitude.
The descendants of overseas independence activists invited that day included Gye Daziyana (75), granddaughter of Gye Bongu, a renowned educator in the Korean community in the Russian Far East; Park Yuri (50), his great-grandson; Gye Olga (32), his great-granddaughter; Kim Dmitri (25), his great-great-grandson; Ju Yongyong (68), granddaughter of Lee Donghwa, a member of the Uiyeoldan; Son Chubun (45), great-great-granddaughter-in-law; and Heo Vladislav (75), grandson of Heo Wi, also known as Wangsan, who was the chief of staff for the righteous army led by Kim San and served as a central figure in the movement.
Also attending the event were Kim Hodong, head of the Gyeonggi branch of the Liberation Association and grandson of Kim Jongjin; Kim Heungtae, son of patriot Oh Heeok; and Choi Sua, great-great-granddaughter of Ahn Junggeun, along with her father Choi Jaehwang.
In his welcoming remarks, Governor Kim first explained that the luncheon was being held at the official residence of the Gyeonggi Province Governor, stating, "Please consider this invitation to my home as a special gesture of welcome and sincerity," and added, "I warmly welcome you to my home," expressing his heartfelt gratitude and welcome.
He continued, "Gyeonggi Province is leading the way, more than the central government or any other local government, in setting history straight. That is why we have invited the descendants of independence activists to the Liberation Day celebration and are hosting this meal today, even if it is a humble one, with utmost sincerity."
He went on to say, "Gyeonggi Province has made a promise to establish the Gyeonggi Independence Memorial Hall and has selected 80 independence activists. Tomorrow, on Liberation Day, we will announce the 78th, 79th, and 80th independence activists. We will continue to do our best to set history straight."
Heo Vladislav (75), grandson of Wangsan Heo Wi, said, "Liberation Day is the most important of all commemorative events. My grandfather would not have understood Korea being divided as it is today, and that is why he would have believed that the independence movement would only be complete when Korea is unified."
Gye Daziyana (75), granddaughter of Gye Bongu, said, "My grandfather wanted to come to Korea but was refused many times. Although he could not come, I am deeply grateful that you have invited his descendants, and I am thankful that my son, my cousin, and I are able to visit this land that my grandfather longed to see for the first time."
Ju Yongyong (68), granddaughter of Lee Donghwa, said, "Thanks to the blood and sacrifice of our ancestors, we are able to celebrate the grand 80th anniversary of Liberation Day on this land. Being invited to the governor's residence makes us feel as if we are being treated like family, and I am grateful for that."
The ancestors of the invited descendants were prominent independence activists. Gye Bongu (awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Independence Medal, in 1995) was an intellectual activist who fought against Japanese rule in the Bukgando and Russian Far East regions and published works such as "Uibyeongjeon" in the Independence Newspaper.
Lee Donghwa (awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Independence Medal, in 1995) led armed resistance as a member of the Uiyeoldan and served as the sixth military instructor at the Joseon Revolutionary Military and Political School.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is having a conversation before hosting a luncheon for descendants of overseas independence activists on the 14th at Dodamso in Paldal-gu, Suwon (the former governor's residence). Provided by Gyeonggi Province
Heo Wi (awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Republic of Korea Medal, in 1962) rose to the position of acting chief judge of the Pyeongriwon (equivalent to the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) and led the righteous army movement after the Eulsa Treaty.
During the meeting, Governor Kim presented invitations to the Liberation Day celebration, while the head of the Gyeonggi branch of the Liberation Association gave the descendants ceramics crafted by three Gyeonggi master artisans (Jang Youngan from Suan, Kim Seyong from Sejang, and Seo Gwangsu from Hando) as a donation of their talents. These gifts were inspired by the historical fact that independence activists raised funds for the movement during the Japanese occupation by selling ceramics.
The luncheon menu included pyeonsu (square dumplings), goldongban (bibimbap), sweet pumpkin beef bulgogi, manggae rice cakes, and sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch).
Concluding the luncheon, Governor Kim said, "I hope this will be a good opportunity for our descendants to continue their connection with their homeland, the Republic of Korea. Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to ensure that the descendants of independence activists and patriots are respected and appreciated by the people, and to set our history straight."
Meanwhile, at 10 a.m. on the 15th, the 80th Liberation Day celebration will be held at the Gyeonggi Arts Center, with around 1,000 participants, including the seven descendants of independence activists, families of independence merit recipients, and members of the local community.
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