I know many people are aware of the Civil Rights Movement, but how many people know about the March 1st Movement of Korea? The March 1st Movement of 1919 was one of the world’s first and largest peaceful protests for liberty.
5 people were killed by the British during the Boston Massacre. 8,000 innocent civilians and an unimaginable number of innocent civilians were brutally tortured and humiliated by the Japanese government.
During the illegitimate and brutal occupation of Korea by Imperialist Japan, approximately 2,000,000 Koreans nation wide participated in peaceful protests against the oppressive and inhumane Japanese occupation of Korea.
Men, women, children of all ages crowded the streets of Korea and waved the Korean flag (Which was banned by the Japanese in attempts to destroy Korean culture) proudly.
This was also known as the one of the most bloodiest events of Korean history as Japanese military and police brutally shot, killed and massacred almost 8,000 innocent unarmed civilians. Many civilians regardless of age were imprisoned and grotesquely tortured.
Although this protest sparked further oppression from the Japanese government on Korea, it had a lasting legacy because it promoted liberty and justice for all of humankind. This protest influenced many other non violent protests in different countries such as the Indian protests for independence.
My prayers go out to those who have died during these struggles for freedom and to those currently in Syria who are also seeking human liberty.
3.1 is not only a very special holiday for Korea, but also a day when we all of mankind can reflect on ourselves.
May freedom and liberty flourish throughout humanity.
