What Do June 12 and August 15 Have In Common?


 

August 15, 2011 - A special day for every Korean because this denotes their full independence from the colonization of the Japanese regime. 

(8월 15일) : 행복한 광복절 보내세요! Hengboghan Gwangbogjeol Bonaeseyo! ;] South Korea!! Same greetings goes for you kuya pooh-pooh bear love from the Philippines with love.. ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿ : ♥__♥


South Korean Liberty Day 2011
 
South Korea's National Flag
photo taken a day before Aug 15, 2011
Gwangbokjeol, (literally “Restoration of the Light Day”,) celebrated annually on August 15, is one of the Public holidays in South Korea. It commemorates Victory over Japan Day, which liberated Korea from Japanese rule. The South Korean government was created three years later, on August 13, 1948, when Syngman Rhee was sworn in as the first President of South Korea.

In North Korea, it is known as Chogukhaebangŭi nal. (조국해방의 날; “Liberation of Fatherland Day”)

Korea did not gain actual independence on August 15, 1945 (except for the short-lived People’s Republic of Korea), but was occupied by the armies of the world’s two superpowers, who oversaw the decommissioning of Japanese troops on the peninsula. The North was occupied by the Red Army and governed by the Soviet Civil Authority. The South was occupied by the United States starting August 13, 1945.

With the official surrender of Japan to the Allied forces on August 15, 1945, the 35-year colonization of Korea by the Japanese came to an end. August 15, 1948 also marks the establishment of the Republic of Korea.

Related News:
http://bit.ly/nDFzLg (From: YonHap)

(LEAD) Lee may call for national unity in Liberation Day speech

SEOUL, Aug. 14, 2011 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak is expected to call for nationwide harmony and unity in his National Liberation Day speech to be delivered in a ceremony slated for Monday, a source in the presidential office said Sunday.

   Monday will mark the 66th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, as well as the 63rd founding anniversary of South Korea.

   Celebrating his fourth Aug. 15 Liberation Day while in office, Lee will likely call on the people to try to better understand each other and pay greater attention to the underprivileged, regardless of class, ideology or regional background, the source said.

"The president stressed a fair society policy a year ago. This year's message represents an escalation of the fair society campaign," the source said.

   Lee will also urge nationwide efforts to reject populist politics in order to overcome the fresh global economic crisis triggered by fiscal balance problems in advanced countries across the world.

   With regard to diplomatic conflict with Japan and North Korea's denuclearization, Lee's messages this year are unlikely to go beyond his messages of the previous years, said the source. (CONT..)


Want Some Trivia Bits, A History?
Korean War (1950-1953)
Main article: Korean War

The Philippines joined the Korean War in August 1950. The Philippines sent an expeditionary force of around 7,500 combat troops. This was known as the Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea, or PEFTOK. It was the 4th largest force under the United Nations Command then under the command of US General Douglas MacArthur that were sent to defend South Korea from a communist invasion by North Korea which was then supported by Mao Zedong's China and the Soviet Union. The PEFTOK took part in decisive battles such as the Battle of Yultong Bridge and the Battle of Hill Eerie. This expeditionary force operated with the United States 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, and 45th Infantry Division.

  •     Battle of Yultong Bridge
  •     Battle of Hill Eerie
 And..


Independence Day in Philippines 2011

One of the most significant dates in the Philippine’s history is Independence Day because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. Filipinos celebrate it annually on June 12.
Philippine's National Flag

Ayala, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
What do People do?

Independence Day is a day when many people, including government officials, employees, and students, participate in nationwide parades.  However, the main highlight is the police and military parade in Manila headed by the country’s incumbent president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute.  Many Filipinos spend the day in parks and malls. Many Filipino communities in other countries also observe the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.  
Public life

The Philippine’s Independence Day is a national holiday so government offices are closed.  There are absolutely no classes in all schools.  Many business establishments are closed except shopping centers. Public transport such as buses, passenger jeeps, and tricycles still operate but their routes may be limited due to the closure of streets used for parades.       
Background

The annual June 12 observance of Philippine’s Independence Day came into effect after past President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Republic Act No. 4166 regarding this matter on August 4, 1964.  This Act legalized the holiday, which is based on the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization.  The Philippines’ flag was raised and its national anthem was played for the first time in 1898.  However, liberty was short-lived because Spain and the United States did not recognize the declaration.

The 1898 Treaty of Paris ended the war between Spain and the United States. Spain surrendered the entire archipelago comprising the Philippines to the United States.  The Philippines started a revolt against the United States in 1899 and achieved national sovereignty on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila.  Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166, which set out to move the holiday to June 12, was approved on August 4, 1964.
Symbols

The Flag of the Republic of the Philippines, representing the country is symbolized by the following:

    Royal blue field – peace, truth, and justice.
    Scarlet red field – patriotism and valor.
    White triangle – equality and brotherhood.

    Three stars on the corners of the triangle – the three main geographical regions of the country namely Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
    The sun at the center of the triangle – has eight rays representing the eight Philippine provinces that started the revolt against Spain.

The flag is seen in various places across towns and cities in the Philippines during the country’s Independence Day.  Many cars also sport miniature flags on this day.

Independence Day Observances

Note: Employees covered by the Holiday Pay Rule are entitled to their daily basic wage for any unworked regular holiday.

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