Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur, Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine M. Ortiz, New Jersey District 37 Assemblywoman Ellen Park, and local officials stand with Community Service Honorees at Bergen County’s Annual Korean Independence Day Celebration.
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the County of Bergen held its Annual Korean Independence Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony, in partnership with the Asian Women Christian Association, the Korean American Association of New Jersey, the Korean Community Center, the Korean American Veterans Association of New Jersey, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, the Korean American Law Enforcement Council, and the Korean American Senior Citizen’s Association.
National Liberation Day of Korea—also called Gwangbokjeol or “the restoration of light day”, is celebrated annually on August 15. The day commemorates Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945. Bergen County is home to a thriving and ever-growing Korean population, with more than 60,000 Korean American residents.
Welcome remarks were given by New Jersey District 37 Assemblywoman Ellen Park—the first Korean woman to ever be elected to the New Jersey state legislature.
Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine M. Ortiz presented a proclamation recognizing August 15 as Korean Independence Day. The proclamation was presented to Deputy Consul General to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, the Honorable Sunghoo Lee.
Attendees enjoyed a cultural performance by the Hea Sun Jung Korean Traditional Dance Academy, and a violin duet by Jennifer Jeon and Jessica Jeon.
Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte.
The event culminated in the raising of the Korean flag while Sam Oh and James Jung of the Asian Women’s Christian Association performed the Korean National Anthem.
Refreshments were donated by the following individuals and organizations: Kahuna Chair, Korean American Association of New Jersey, Korean American Community Center, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Korean American Law Enforcement Council, Korean American Senior Citizen’s Association, Ms. Ma Youngae, Pyongyang Soondae, Michelle Song, Chairwoman, Korean American Association of New Jersey.
The County presented “2024 Outstanding Service Contribution Awards” to members of the community.
2024 Outstanding Community Service Contribution Honorees: Helen Jang, Palisades Park; Commander Darl Seong Jhung, Cliffside Park; Sang Soo Kim, Leonia; Michael Kyungmun Nam, Tenafly; and Michelle Misook Song, Fort Lee
Here are more photos from the event.
The Hea Sun Jung Korean Traditional Dance Academy performs for the audience at Bergen County’s Annual Korean Independence Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony.
Jennifer Jeon and Jessica Jeon perform a violin duet at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack.
Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine M. Ortiz presents an Outstanding Service Award to a member of the community at Bergen County’s Korean Independence Day Celebration.
Attendees look on as the Korean Flag is raised in the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza at the County’s Annual Korean Independence Day Celebration.
