Posthumous bestowal of state medal on an American missionary
In a commemoration of the sacrifices and contributions made by independence activists during Japan's colonial rule, South Korea has posthumously awarded several individuals for their roles in securing the country's liberation.
One of the most notable recipients is Geraldine Fitch, an American Methodist missionary who provided support to key members of Korea's provisional government, helping them escape arrest by Japanese authorities. Fitch, along with her husband George Ashmore Fitch, was recognised with an Independence Medal for their efforts in aiding the independence movement. George Ashmore Fitch had received the same medal in 1968.
A total of 311 awards were announced on Wednesday, recognising the recipients' contributions to Korea's independence. In addition to Geraldine Fitch, the South Korean veterans ministry awarded medals posthumously to 310 other individuals. Since 1949, the government has officially honoured over 18,569 independence activists.
Among the recipients is Kim Sool-keun, a Korean independence activist who served as a sergeant in the US Army during the Pacific War to aid the independence movement. Kim Chang-jun, another Korean independence activist, was arrested by the Japanese and sentenced to 15 years in prison for his service in armed resistance groups against Japanese forces in the 1920s.
The awards serve to honour the personal sacrifice and leadership of these activists in various independence efforts, including armed resistance, cultural promotion, and political activism. They also recognise support roles such as fundraising, document smuggling, and sheltering activists. The legacy these activists left for their descendants and the nation is also celebrated, preserving Korea’s identity and sovereignty.
The medal of honour, the Independence Medal, is awarded for strong support of the Korean independence movement during Japan's colonial rule. The awards will be conferred on Liberation Day, Aug. 15, which marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan.
In recognition of her efforts, Chung-Ang University later awarded Geraldine Fitch an honorary degree. In 1947, she helped integrate the women's branch of Chung-Ang University into a coeducational institution, a significant step for women's education in Korea.
The South Korean government has pledged to continue discovering and honouring more independence activists to remember their sacrifices and efforts in the independence movement.
Read also:
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Experimenting with Merz's Germany has stretched into an extended period of time, resembling a numerous three-month duration.
