[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate 
the Republic of Korea on the 89th anniversary of the March 1 
Independence Movement against Japan's colonial rule.
  It is especially fitting for Americans to join Koreans in celebrating 
this day. Many believe that the Fourteen Points, outlined by U.S. 
President Wilson at the Paris Peace Conference, helped to inspire the 
Samil Movement to protest against the restrictive Japanese government.
  On March 1, 1919, hundreds of Koreans participated in peaceful 
rallies to promote liberation. Some were upset by the burdensome 
taxation system that often led to famine or slavery. Many Korean 
Christians, including entire churches, protested the strict religious 
regulations enforced by the Japanese.
  Across the country, nationalist leaders simultaneously read the 
independence declaration out loud in public. These readings motivated 
thousands of demonstrators to join the cause of freedom, and the 
movement grew. The Japanese responded by killing thousands of 
protestors. In at least one case, Korean men were driven into a church 
and burned alive. However, it took the Japanese 12 months, and the 
assistance of the army and navy, to quell the uprising. In the end, the 
Japanese government was forced to adopt more lenient measures.
  The United States has been proud to stand with the people of the 
Republic of Korea as they confronted oppression, solidified their 
democracy, and became part of the vibrant Asian economy. Even after 
independence is gained, it must be carefully guarded. Brave citizens 
must be willing to sacrifice their lives in order to protect liberty. 
Just as both of our nations have struggled to survive after the initial 
moment of independence was earned, we must continue to foster the 
causes of freedom and democracy.
  Again, I congratulate the Korean people on this historic celebration. 
This anniversary is a time to remember the sacrifices of the past, to 
take pride in your nation, and to look ahead to a future of promise.

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