The 85th National Memorial Ceremony for the Martyrs, honoring those who sacrificed for the restoration of national sovereignty during the Japanese colonial period, will take place on November 17 at 11 AM in front of the memorial facility for independence activists named “The Path Where Independence Wishes Gather” in the Daejeon National Cemetery, as announced by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on the 15th.
The Ministry explained that the location was chosen to express the government’s intention to remember all independence activists, including those who were less well-known. “The Path Where Independence Wishes Gather” is a memorial facility dedicated to independence activists with no descendants or graves.
Around 300 people, including the descendants of independence activists and key government officials, will attend the ceremony. It will feature an opening performance, a national tribute, a reading of memorial messages for the martyrs, a re-calling of the names of independence activists, the presentation of a registry signed by descendants, and the awarding of honors to independence activists.
Additionally, 33 independence activists, including Mr. Heo Dae-seop (who was captured and died in prison after participating in the armed independence movement against Japanese rule) will be honored during the 85th National Memorial Ceremony for the Martyrs. The honors include 11 Order of Merit for National Foundation awards (6 Orders of Merit for Patriotism and 5 Orders of Merit for National Awards), 3 Orders of National Service Merit, and 19 Presidential Citations.
The medals and citations will be presented to the descendants during the National Memorial Ceremony for the Martyrs conducted by the government and at regional ceremonies hosted by local authorities on November 17.