Celebrating 76 Years of Korean Independence
On August 15, KAAGNY hosted a Korean Independence Day Celebration in Flushing, Queens.
Also referred to as “gwang-bok-jeol,” August 15 is a special holiday for Koreans around the globe as it marks the day of Korea’s liberation from imperial rule.
During the event, attendees were joined by Senator Chuck Schumer, State Senator John Liu, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and City Councilman Peter Koo. Also at the event were our veterans, including Sal Scarlato and John Ha of the Korean War Veterans Association.
“The more Koreans there are in New York, the stronger and better New York is,” Senator Schumer said during his remarks. “Chuk-ha-hamnida [congratulations] to the Korean community [on 76 years of Korean independence.]”
President Charles Yoon presents a plaque to Young Je Yoon, former President of the Kim Gu and An Jung Geun Memorial Society.
President Charles Yoon presents a plaque to Soung Do Kim, former President of the Kwang Bok Association of New York.
Plaques of Appreciation were presented to two community organizations that preserve the legacy of Korean independence fighters: the Kim Gu and An Jung Geun Memorial Society and the Kwang Bok Association of New York. The celebration concluded with “manse” independence cheers and a special performance of Korean traditional songs by the Bergen Symphony String Quartet.
This event was co-hosted by KAAGNY, the Korean Consulate of New York, and the Kwang Bok Association of New York. Additional support was provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea.
