Dosan Memorial Park
Our journey began at the historic Dosan Memorial Park in Seoul, a place of deep reverence and reflection. Here, participants came together in unity and solemnity to pay tribute to two towering figures of the Korean Independence Movement—Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and his wife, Lee Hye Ryeon. Their unwavering commitment to justice, education, and national sovereignty continues to inspire generations around the world.
At their gravesite, we laid fresh flowers and offered words of sincere gratitude, pausing to reflect on the immense sacrifices they made not only for the liberation of Korea but also for the spiritual and cultural foundation of the Korean diaspora. Their lives were a testament to selfless service and tireless vision, driven by a belief in the dignity and potential of the Korean people.
Beginning our journey at such a sacred site grounded us in the historical context of our mission and reminded us of the values we aspire to uphold. It was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a heartfelt recommitment to the legacy of courage, resilience, and hope that leaders like Dosan and Lee Hye Ryeon left behind. Standing there among their resting places, we felt a renewed sense of purpose and a collective call to carry forward their unfinished work with humility and determination.
Dosan Ahn Chang Ho
This journey began with a visit to the tomb of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, where we offered flowers in remembrance and gratitude.
In 1917, Dosan traveled to Mexico to care for, educate, and inspire the Korean emigrants—planting the seeds of independence and hope in a foreign land.
More than a century later, we returned to honor the one who never forgot about us.
Grandson of Dosan
The night before we flew out of LA, we visited Flip Cuddy—grandson of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho—for Korean BBQ at his home near LAX. Most of us had traveled from San Diego and stayed nearby for an early flight. Flip shared a 1917 Heungsadan flag and stories of our grandfathers, who once fought for Korean independence. Our trip marked 120 years since Koreans first immigrated to Mexico. That night, we laughed, shared memories, and reflected. I wonder what our grandfathers would think—seeing us still carrying their legacy forward after all these years.
Madam Lee Hye Ryon (Wife)
A powerful moment in history—Madam Lee Hye Ryon, wife of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and a Chungshin graduate, leaving the Chungshin Girls’ High School campus in 1973 before being laid to rest at the Dosan Memorial Park. Flip Cuddy, grandson of Dosan, shared this photo with me—he was there that day, and so was I. Honored to have witnessed it then, and to remember it now.
