107th Anniversary of Independence Movement Commemoration Held in Jakarta
"Inheriting the March 1st Spirit to Open the Future of the Korean Community"
The 107th Anniversary March 1st Independence Movement Commemoration, honoring the noble sacrifice of our predecessors who devoted themselves to the recovery of national sovereignty, was held on February 27 (Friday) at 10 a.m. in the Grand Hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia.
The commemoration was attended by Minister Park Su-deok, Korean Association President Kim Jong-heon, Deputy Chief of Mission Ham Jung-han of the ASEAN Representative Office, Chairman Lee Jung-hyu of the Council for Democratic Peace and Unification, Honorary Presidents Shin Ki-yup and Park Jae-han of the Korean Association, Honorary Advisor Kim Woo-jae of the Korean Association, Chairman Kim Tae-hwa of the Korean Sports Association in Indonesia, and Foundation Chairman Kim Gyeong-guk of Jakarta Korean School, as well as prominent figures and members of the Korean community. Since March 1st falls on a Sunday this year, the event was held early, allowing more Koreans to participate and reflect on the historical significance of the March 1st Independence Movement.
Prior to the ceremony, a pre-ceremony performance featured a piano quintet by the Korean Musicians Association in Indonesia. The melodies of 'Spring in My Hometown' composed by Hong Nan-pa and Schubert's Piano Quintet 'Trout' evoked longing for the motherland and passionate patriotism among the attendees.
The recitation of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the beginning of the ceremony, was delivered by Vice President Choi Tae-rip of the Korean Association, as in previous years. As a descendant inheriting the will of his great-grandfather, independence activist Choi Young-soon, and his grandfather, independence merit recipient Choi Jong-soon, Vice President Choi recited the 107-year-old proclamation with his characteristically powerful voice, adding solemnity to the hall. The attendees listened intently to each passage, deeply etching in their hearts their ancestors' indomitable will for freedom and peace.
Minister Park Su-deok emphasized in his commemorative address that the spirit of solidarity of the March 1st Movement is deeply inscribed in the DNA of our people, and expressed deep gratitude for the 'Scholarship Program for Korean Youth and Next-Generation Educational Support' being actively pursued by the Korean Association in Indonesia. Reflecting on the pride of Korean history in Indonesia that began with Professor Jang Yun-won in 1920, Minister Park announced that the embassy will actively support various educational programs, including historical exploration for cultivating the identity of the next generation, in close cooperation with the Korean Association.
Following this, Korean Association President Kim Jong-heon, in his remarks, defined the March 1st Movement as a great declaration for national independence and universal human values, emphasizing that the sacrifice of our predecessors and the efforts of Koreans worldwide have created Korea's standing today. In particular, he stated that 'Indonesia's spirit of independence and our March 1st Movement spirit resonate deeply,' pledging that the Korean Association will remain faithful to its role as a bridge not only for harmony in the Korean community but also for a genuine partnership between the two nations.
During the event, a commendation ceremony was also held for contributors to the establishment of a foundation for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula and the development of the Korean community. The commemoration concluded with three cheers of 'Long Live Korean Independence' led by Honorary Advisor Kim Woo-jae, and the roar of 'Long Live Korean Independence' that filled the Grand Hall became a powerful resonance as attendees reaffirmed their commitment to the harmony of the Korean community and the prosperity of the motherland.
Provided by Korean News
