On January 13th at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, the 8th annual Washington State Korean-American Day Celebration was held starting with the laying of the wreath ceremony at the Korean War Memorial.
More than a hundred people attented the ceremony, including VIPs from the Korean community and Korean war veterans, there to thank and remember fallen veterans who sacrificed themselves to protect South Korea and democracy.
After the wreath laying ceremony, more than 500 Koreans from different generations gathered at Hyungjae Community Church, including Korean War veterans, second generation Koreans who are positively impacting the mainstream, and third generation Koreans that will lead the Korean community in the future. Regardless of the difference in age, they all enjoyed the celebration listening proudly to the Korean traditional song ‘Ari, Arirang’.
Brad Owen, Lt. Governor of Washington State and proud parent of an adopted son and grandson from South Korea, stated in his opening remarks that “South Korea and Koreans living in the State of Washington are what make Washington State proud”.
President Park of South Korea also sent a welcoming address, stating “Koreans in Washington State have always made South Korea proud”.
Susan Lee, a chairman of the Korean Festival Foundation, stated “Washington State’s Korean-American Celebration day is not earned in a day. We earned it by working hard and serving the community. All Korean-Americans should be proud to have such a day to celebrate”.
Many different fusion and traditional performances were held by talented Korean-Americans. Performances included classical symphony performed by the Federal Way Youth Symphony, K-Pop performance by Setbyul Cultural Center, a Korean fusion performance by Setbyul Art Group, and Arirang performed by Mulbora Choir.
This event not only provided well-organized performances but also provided traditional Korean foods such as bibimbap, traditional drinks, and rice cakes.
The 8th annual Washington State Korean-American day not only successfully united Koreans living in Washington State but also raised the level of pride Koreans feel for their culture and country.
