The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA), led by President Robert Ahn, along with other Korean organizations, will hold a ceremony commemorating the March 1 Independence Movement on March 1 at the main chapel of Berendo Street Baptist Church (975 S Berendo St).
The March 1 Independence Movement of 1919 was a pivotal moment in Korea’s struggle for independence from Japanese colonial rule. It was a nationwide, nonviolent protest against Japan’s occupation of Korea. The movement is considered one of the most significant milestones in Korea’s modern history and a symbol of its fight for self-determination.
Notably, many Korean-American youth will participate in the event, reflecting a shift in patriotic commemorations from the first-generation Korean immigrants to the next generation. On February 25, KAFLA held a press conference at its headquarters to announce plans for the 106th anniversary commemoration ceremony.
The event will begin with an opening performance titled ‘Daehan Is Alive,’ organized by KAFLA, followed by a commemorative video produced by youth members of the Hwarang Youth Foundation. The color guard for the ceremony will be composed of youth members from the Young Korean Academy (Heungsadan) Boy Scouts.
KAFLA emphasized that Korean-American youth will play a key role in this year’s ceremony.
Yongho Kim, Senior Vice President of KAFLA, stated, “About 200 Korean-American youth are expected to attend the event.” He added, “We hope this ceremony will instill a sense of patriotism in young people and provide an opportunity for them to continue participating in patriotic events.”
KAFLA estimates that approximately 500 attendees, including youth participants, will take part in the ceremony.
A flower-laying ceremony to honor independence activists and patriotic ancestors has also been planned. The floral tribute will take place at Rosedale Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., prior to the main ceremony.
Jeff Lee, KAFLA’s Secretary-General, stated, “We will visit the graves of five to seven independence activists and lay flowers in their honor.” Consul General Youngwan Kim of Los Angeles will also participate in the tribute.
The event will also be attended by local political figures, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Jieun Kim, Deputy Director of Korean Language Communications for the LA Mayor’s Office, stated, “Mayor Bass plans to attend the ceremony and deliver a congratulatory speech. If she does, it will be the first time an LA mayor has participated in a March 1st commemoration ceremony.”
Los Angeles City Councilmembers Heather Hutt (10th District) and John Lee (12th District) will also be present. On this occasion, Councilmembers Hutt and Lee, along with representatives of Korean organizations, descendants of independence activists, and Korean-American youth, will read the Korean Declaration of Independence.
The ceremony is co-hosted by KAFLA and five organizations: the Liberation Association’s Southwestern Chapter, the March 1st Women’s Patriotic Association of America, the Korean National Association Memorial Foundation, the Dosan Memorial Foundation, and Heungsadan (Young Korean Academy).
Clara Shin, vice president of the Dosan Memorial Foundation, who attended the press conference, emphasized, “Since this year’s March 1st ceremony falls on a weekend, we hope parents will bring their children to make it an educational experience and a time to honor history together.”
KAFLA announced that it will distribute a sack of rice to 250 general attendees and provide lunchboxes to participating youth.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
