The community enjoyed a day celebrating Korean culture and local military veterans.

By Nicole MOORE

On Saturday the Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles celebrated the 2nd Annual Korean Cultural Festival at La Cañada Memorial Park.

Sung Il Lee, president of the Korean-American Federation of North Los Angeles, shared with event attendees that the festival is a celebration of Chuseok, or Harvest Day, which takes place this year on Sept. 15 during the full moon. Chuseok originated as a celebration of a good harvest. The intent of the Korean Cultural Festival was to celebrate Harvest Day with residents of the area by sharing Korean traditions, dynamic cultural performances and food.

“Today young people can see the diversity we have [in the Glendale area] and can enjoy the beautiful Korean culture,” said Paula Devine, City of Glendale mayor, at the festival.

Starting the three-hour festivities was Miyeh Choi who sang the Korean and American national anthems. This was followed by a moment of silence for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and to honor those currently serving in the armed forces and veterans. Additionally, the Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles invited veterans from various wars to be celebrated throughout the event. The Korean American Youth Association gave gifts to the veterans consisting of vitamins, hats representing the respective wars in which each veteran fought, two T-shirts, and a variety of Korean snacks. The veterans honored during the festival included Art Cobery, Joel Garcia, Richard Bame, Rob Allen, Jack Wunderlich, Andy Gero, Gerry Collins, Mike Baldwin, Skip Kagan and Jim Turner.

“We want to celebrate American veterans, especially those who fought in the Korean War, for their contributions to the democracy of South Korea,” said Frank Kim, chairman of the KAFALA.

Attendees at the festival were treated to performances including Korean drums, Korean classical music, tae kwon do, Korean fan dance, a KPOP dance, and a talent show. Many booths were set up in the park selling Korean food and merchandise. Additionally, a raffle was held at the end of the festival, with prizes that included $50 gift certificates and a 49-inch television.

The sponsors for the event were the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles, and the Overseas Korean Foundation.

  Nicole MOORE