Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul, left, and Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo pose for a photo after signing an agreement to refurbish grave sites and improve visitor facilities at national cemeteries at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak District, southern Seoul, on Aug. 10.HANA FINANCIAL GROUP
Hana Financial Group has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to refurbish aging grave markers and improve visitor facilities at two national cemeteries, the company said on Tuesday.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo and Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister Kwon Oh-eul at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak District, southern Seoul, on Monday.
Officials and representatives from both sides also discussed ways to honor the sacrifices and dedication of veterans, promote a culture of remembrance and improve support for veterans and their families ahead of Korea’s Independence Day, which falls every year on Aug. 15.
Under the agreement, Hana Financial will refurbish about 2,000 aging stone grave markers, including those for independence activists at Daejeon National Cemetery and for military personnel at Seoul National Cemetery.
The company will repaint the markers’ inscriptions, repair their joints and remove any stains.
Seoul National Cemetery, established more than 70 years ago, has a growing number of graves that require maintenance, such as those without surviving immediate family members.
The company will also install 15 solar-powered smart shades — 10 at Daejeon National Cemetery and five at Seoul National Cemetery — along visitor routes and near bus stops to protect people from the heat. The shades will open and close automatically based on temperature and wind conditions and can also be controlled remotely.
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo pays tribute at the Memorial Tower at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak District, southern Seoul, on Aug. 10.HANA FINANCIAL GROUP
“Today’s Korea was built on the sacrifices and dedication of those who served the country,” Ham said. “Hana Financial Group will continue to fulfill its social responsibility through practical support for veterans and their families.”
Hana Financial has previously carried out social contribution programs such as building 100 child care centers, renovating facilities and providing vehicles for people with disabilities and running the “Hana Power On Store” program to improve business facilities for small merchants.
