A nationwide effort to honor Korean independence patriots is launching in Los Angeles as part of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The campaign focuses on identifying, documenting, and cleaning the graves of Korean independence activists buried across the United States.
Graves of Korean independence patriots to be documented and restored
Early Korean immigrants in the U.S. actively supported the independence movement by fundraising and promoting the cause to the American public and government. However, over time, many of their graves have fallen into neglect, and accurate records are difficult to find—even in the Los Angeles area, where many patriots are buried.
To address this, The Korea Daily, the Korean National Association Memorial Foundation (President Clara Won), and the Hwarang Youth Foundation (Chairwoman Yoonsook Park) are launching a joint initiative to survey and restore these burial sites. The project includes producing a directory that lists each grave’s location, lot number, name, and place of birth. Cleanup efforts will accompany the documentation process.
Organizers hope the campaign will offer Korean American youth a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the legacy of these patriots while learning Korean history and strengthening their cultural identity. Youth volunteers will regularly visit and maintain the sites as a form of tribute and education.
LA event kicks off multistate expansion
The project will begin on May 24 at 9:30 a.m. at Rosedale Cemetery (1831 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles), near Koreatown. The campaign is set to become an annual effort and will expand to 20 states nationwide.
This year, the initiative gains additional significance with the participation of Bank of Hope, the first and largest Korean American regional bank, which joins the project as a sponsor.
Organizers:
The Korea Daily, Korean National Association Memorial Foundation, Hwarang Youth Foundation
