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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MS. YU GWAN-SUN
______
HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 4, 2019
Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the outstanding
contributions of Yu Gwan-sun to her country and to the ``March 1st
Movement.'' Her courage united the people of South Korea to fight for
their freedom and inspired many to persevere through hardships. Yu
passed away upholding her beliefs and resistance against the colonial
rule.
Nine years after the Japanese military rule of the Korean Peninsula,
the push for Korean independence against Japan began in Seoul on March
1, 1919. Back then, 16-year-old Yu Gwan-sun gathered her classmates and
began protesting on the streets. Yu's efforts garnered support from
many community members and she became involved in peaceful student
demonstrations. The protest, however, led to the closure of all schools
in South Korea. Yu was briefly detained, and ultimately forced to
return to her hometown, Cheonan.
Yu was not deterred by these obstacles, instead she spread a copy of
the United States Declaration of Independence from town to town,
rallying for support. Her efforts encouraged 3,000 citizens to protest
on April 1st. Unfortunately, during the protest, nineteen people were
shot and killed by the colonial police, including Yu's parents. This
sparked a nationwide uprising with over two million people
participating in independence marches. Of the two million, 700,000 were
killed and 46,000 were imprisoned.
Yu was captured, jailed, convicted of sedition, and sent to Seodaemun
Prison in Seoul. Even in prison, Yu was extremely rebellious. She
demanded the release of other prisoners and continued to display her
support for Korean Independence. In addition, Yu helped organize a
large-scale protest with other inmates until she was transferred to an
underground facility where they tortured and killed her.
Yu Gwan-sun's courage of conviction, even after countless setbacks,
made her the symbol of Korea's Independence movement. She inspired
countless amounts of people to take a stand for their freedom and sense
of self. Although the ``March 1st Movement'' did not immediately result
in Korea's Independence, Yu's presence throughout the protests united
many individuals.
Over 100 years ago, United States President Woodrow Wilson's ideas of
self-determination to resist the occupation of Japanese military rule
inspired the Korean people. It is estimated that approximately two
million Koreans participated in more than 1,500 demonstrations for
independence. 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. South
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 and I am proud to rise today to honor that
history. I hope my colleagues will recognize the importance of the
Korean March 1st Movement as a reflection of our own values of freedom.
The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the
efforts of dedicated individuals like Ms. Yu Gwan-sun.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, family, friends
and the residents of the Ninth Congressional District in recognizing,
Ms. Yu Gwan-sun and her outstanding character and service to her
country and community.
____________________