On February 26, a memorial service was held at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles to commemorate the third anniversary of the passing of Ralph Ahn, the third son of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho.
Approximately 20 members from various organizations, including the Southwest Chapter of the Liberation Association and the Korean National Association, gathered to honor his legacy.
Born in 1926, Ralph Ahn was deeply influenced by his father and eldest brother, Philip Ahn. He actively participated in organizations such as the LA Young Korean Academy, the Korean National Association, and the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Foundation, contributing to the Korean independence movement and promoting Korean-American history.
His wife, Anne Ahn, who turned 100 last year, attended the service with their two daughters and expressed gratitude to the attendees. She shared that their two sons reside in Hawaii and Idaho, respectively, with one currently battling cancer, and requested prayers for his recovery.
Byung-yong Min, director of the Korean American History Museum, emphasized the importance of remembering independence activists, stating, “Without these martyrs, our nation would not exist as it does today.”
Clara Won, chairperson of the Korean National Association, fondly recalled Ralph Ahn’s encouraging smile, noting that it gave strength to many.
Consul General Youngwan Kim, through his representative Chul Park, paid tribute to the sacrifices of independence activists and highlighted the significance of this year, marking both Ralph Ahn’s third memorial and the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
Following the service, attendees visited the gravesites of over ten independence activists, including Philip Ahn (1905–1978), the eldest son of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, to pay their respects.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
