President Joe Biden and Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris sent written remarks celebrating the Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving Day, during an event held at the White House on September 17.
President Biden conveyed his heartfelt greetings to those gathered for the “first-ever Chuseok White House reception.”
He described Chuseok as a time of celebration, commemoration, of renewal and reflection, and of promise and possibilities.
“Held at the height of the fall harvest, this joyful occasion brings together Korean families everywhere to give thanks for their blessings and honor the legacies of their ancestors,” Biden said.
“Rooted in more than a millennium of traditions and customs, Chuseok reminds us not only of the rich heritage of the Korean community but also of the universal bonds that unite people all around the world.”
Biden further emphasized, “We all come from somewhere, but we’re all Americans. Whether your family has been here for generations or you immigrated to the United States yourself, each of you has woven the vibrancy, culture, and contributions of the Korean community into the tapestry of our country.”
Harris stressed that Korean Americans have been a “vital part of the fabric of our nation for hundreds of years.”
“As we celebrate this beautiful tradition, we remember our history and look ahead toward building a more prosperous world for all those who will come after us,” she said. “As you all know, when we uplift the diverse identities, experiences and traditions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, we forge a path where vibrancy and cultural richness are at the forefront of a brighter future.”
Although the White House has hosted a Lunar New Year celebration, attended by President Biden last year, this marks the first official recognition of the Korean holiday Chuseok. The event, held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, was spearheaded by current and former Korean American staff members of the White House.
BY TAEHWA KANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [thkang@joongang.co.kr]
