2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 825

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the National Liberation Day of Korea.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 21, 2025

WHEREAS, on August 15, 2025, the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area and members of the Korean diaspora throughout the Commonwealth, the United States, and the world, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Liberation Day of Korea, known in Korean as Gwangbokjeol, which literally translates to “Restoration of Light Day”; and

WHEREAS, Gwangbokjeol marks the day of Japan's unconditional surrender in 1945, which represented both the end of World War II and the end of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule over Korea, during which the Korean people maintained their cultural identity and fought for independence through numerous resistance movements; and

WHEREAS, the Korean independence movement was marked by many significant events, such as the March 1st Movement of 1919, where millions of Koreans participated in peaceful demonstrations, and the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai, which continued the struggle for independence while in exile; and

WHEREAS, the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area advocates for the civic, cultural, educational, and social interests of the vibrant Korean American population in the National Capital region, while preserving the historical legacy of the Korean independence movement; and

WHEREAS, the more than two million Korean Americans living in the United States have contributed to the diversity and prosperity of the nation by participating in all facets of American life, serving as leaders in every career field, government officials, and proud members of the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the United States and Republic of Korea currently maintain a longstanding alliance based on the shared principles of democracy, human rights, and free markets, strengthened by their mutual sacrifice during the Korean War and continued cooperation in the decades since; and

WHEREAS, bilateral agreements between the United States and Korea have promoted international security, economic prosperity, and the rule of law throughout the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the enduring strength of a Korean-American partnership; and

WHEREAS, the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area will commemorate Gwangbokjeol with various activities and programs, providing an opportunity for Virginians of all backgrounds to learn more about Korean history, culture, and traditions, including the significance of this day as a symbol of freedom and self-determination; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the 80th anniversary of the National Liberation Day of Korea hereby be commemorated; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area as an expression of the House of Delegates' appreciation and admiration for the Korean American community's many contributions to the Commonwealth.