March 01 is known as Independence Movement Day or Samil Jeol in South Korea, marking the first large public demonstration against Japanese occupation in 1919. Koreans were forcibly occupied beginning in 1910, losing many rights and freedoms. On the third month, first day, some 2 million people marched in demonstration against colonisation, leading to arrests, violence with injuries and deaths to thousands.
The proclamation read aloud on March 01, 1919, read:
“We herewith proclaim the independence of Korea and the liberty of the Korean people. We tell it to the world in witness of the equality of all nations and we pass it on to our posterity as their inherent right.Wemake this proclamation, having 5,000 years of history, and 20,000,000 united loyal people. We take this step to insure to our children for all time to come, personal liberty in accord with the awakening consciousness of this new era. This is the clear leading of God, the moving principle of the present age, the whole human race’s just claim. It is something that cannot be stamped out, stifled, gagged, or suppressed by any means.”
(Source: thekoreanway.wordpress.com)
Today, Koreans marched peacefully, waving the National flag, American flag and military flags proudly representing veterans who served during the Korean War. Large groups marched through downtown Seoul protected by police and safety officers. Crowds happily gathered at key buildings and monuments, including Seoul City Hall. Marchers gave thanks for their freedom, recognized the fallen and thanked their allies, including the USA.
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