[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 34 (Monday, February 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               HONORING THE KOREAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2019

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the outstanding 
achievements of the people of South Korea in their fight for 
independence. This push for Korean independence from Japan would begin 
in Seoul on March 1, 1919 and spread throughout the country.
  Over 100 years ago, the Korean people were inspired by former 
Governor of New Jersey and United States President Woodrow Wilson's 
ideas of self-determination to resist the occupation of Japanese 
military rule. This revolutionary spirt was aided by release of a 
Korean Declaration of Independence that was written by 33 core 
activists in the Samil Movement. The declaration was read by the 
leaders in the Seoul and in townships throughout Korea by supporters of 
the movement.
  Attempts by the Japanese military to suppress the Samil Movement's 
peaceful gatherings gave their followers a stronger will to keep 
demonstrating. It is estimated that approximately two million Koreans 
participated in more than 1,500 demonstrations for independence. 
Several thousand were massacred, wounded and arrested by the Japanese 
police force and army in what is known as the Bloody History of the 
Korean Independence Movement. These acts became the catalyst for the 
Korean Independence Movement that would help unify the Korean people in 
their quest for independence in 1945.
  Our alliance with the Republic of Korea has always been firm. Korea 
has remained one of the United States' closest and most steadfast 
allies and partners. Our shared belief in self-determination is pivotal 
to our joint success. I am proud to rise today to honor that history.
  I look forward to joining my constituents on February 26, 2019 for a 
ceremony recognizing the Centennial of the March 1st Movement. I hope 
my colleagues will recognize the importance of the Korean March 1st 
Movement as a reflection of our own values of freedom of assembly, 
freedom of speech, and freedom to self-govern.

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