On August 15, the 79th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day was commemorated at the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro for the first time in 15 years.
The event saw the attendance of over 200 people, including independence activists and their families, Consul General Kim Youngwan of Los Angeles, LA City Council Members Tim McOsker (District 15) and Heather Hutt (District 10), as well as various representatives and officials from the organizing organizations.
LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement on the occasion, stating, “Today, we proudly celebrate the 79th National Korean Liberation Day, honoring the resilience and courage of the Korean people in their fight for independence. On behalf of LA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all celebrating this historic day.”
The celebration began with a ballet performance and concluded with the traditional “Manse,” or “Long live independence of Korea,” cheers and the ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell. This year’s event also included a flag-bearing ceremony by the Korean Veterans Association of Military Police in America and a special performance by the choir from Cahuenga Elementary School.
Carol Lee, president of the “March 1st Women’s Patriotic Association,” shared her thoughts, saying, “I was concerned the outdoor event might be too hot and tedious, but it was neither too hot nor dull, and I appreciated the addition of more diverse content compared to previous years.”
This event was a collaborative effort between Korean American organizations and government agencies. The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks supported the event, with the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles overseeing the proceedings.
District 15 provided tables, chairs, and other event supplies, while LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell sponsored four buses for participants. The event budget and lunches were sponsored by five organizations: the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, the Liberation Association Southwest Chapter USA, the Korean National Association Memorial Foundation, the March 1st Women’s Patriotic Association USA, and the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Foundation USA, and LA Heungsadan.
Volunteer Ernest Lee (57) remarked, “The Korean Friendship Bell is a symbolic place. Through the sound of the bell, we can heal divisions and promote unity.”
Meanwhile, Consul General Kim Youngwan read President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Liberation Day address, emphasizing, “We must properly remember the patriotic martyrs. The freedom we enjoy today is the fruit of their struggle.”
BY YOONJAE JUNG, YOUNGNAM KIM [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
