ear Friends,

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of The Hulbert Memorial Society.

Although this message comes to you a bit late, I am pleased to inform you that the memorial service marking the 75th anniversary of Dr. Hulbert's passing was a great success.

The turnout was exceptional, and the 320 lunch boxes we ordered were quickly depleted, for which we apologize to those who were unable to receive one. 

This year saw an impressive presence of Korean dignitaries, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, and from the U.S. Army. Of particular note were the remarks 

by Mr. JongChan Lee, Chairman of Heritage of Korean independence, former head of the Korean CIA and grandson of Dr. Hulbert's close friend, who made a heartfelt appeal 

to the Korean government to duly honor Dr. Hulbert's legacy. Representing the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Robert Post, the Counselor for Public Affairs, attended on behalf of the Ambassador

—many thanks to Robert for his presence.

During the service, I revealed a little-known statement made by 500 Korean intellectuals in January 1949, while Dr. Hulbert was still alive in America. 

The statement emphasized that Dr. Hulbert's contributions to Korea must be remembered for eternity and that it is the duty of the Korean people to honor his legacy. 

As I read the statement, I noticed that it moved some in the audience to tears.

I also had the privilege of presenting several significant artifacts donated by Dr. Hulbert's grandson, Bruce, who resides in Arizona. These items included original copies of 

"The Passing of Korea" and "The History of Korea." Among the donated artifacts was an album containing 15 rare photographs depicting a royal funeral procession, likely 

from 1903, which had been preserved by Helen, Dr. Hulbert's first daughter, who was then 12 years old. The album drew considerable interest from the press, as these 

may be the only surviving photographs of their kind.

Notably, Professor Emeritus HyunBok Lee, a distinguished linguist from Seoul National University, commented on the special memorial edition of An Illustration of Hulbert's Love 

of Hangeul (the Korean alphabet). In his remarks, he reiterated: "If General MacArthur saved Korea from communism, then Dr. Hulbert elevated Korea to the status of a civilized

nation by introducing its language, history, and arts to the world."

Furthermore, a group of 30 literary figures from Chungcheong Province (충청도) has resolved to erect a Hulbert Nakhwa Poetry Monument at Nakhwaam (낙화암) in Buyeo (부여), 

Chungcheongdo. Nakhwaam, a cliff where 3,000 Korean palace ladies leapt to their deaths into a river when their country was invaded, was the subject of a beautiful but poignant 

epic poem written by Dr. Hulbert in 1896, symbolizing their sacrifice as the ultimate act of loyalty. I translated this poem and announced to the public in 2019, and now 

these literary figures have taken steps to commemorate it with a monument. Representatives from the local government overseeing Nakhwaam have visited my office to discuss details,

and they have expressed their support for the project. I am scheduled to visit Buyeo on October 3, the city's special day, to present on Dr. Hulbert and his poetry.

The monument is tentatively set to be dedicated next spring.

I would like to extend my thanks to Robert Nef, who was present at the memorial service—I trust you managed to secure a lunch box!

Once again, thank you all for your unwavering support of the Memorial Society.

Happy Chuseok to all of you.

With warm regards, DJ 

Relevant newspaper coverage:  

연합뉴스 https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240830139800371?section=search

문화일보 https://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2024083001039910114002

재외동포신문 https://www.dongponews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=50728

국민일보 https://www.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0020475699

미주한국일보 http://www.koreatimes.com/article/1528190

코리아타임스 https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2024/08/137_381604.html

Memorial Service on-site 

JongChan Lee, Chairman, Heritage of Korean Independence 

Professor Emeritus HyunBok Lee, a distinguished linguist 

DongJin Kim, introcucing Dr. Hulbert's artifacts donated by his grandson Bruce  

Mr. Robert Post from the U.S. Embassy 

American Chaplains from the U.S. Army, Pyeongtaek, including Lieutenant Colonel Chanyong Ham (함찬용)