San Pedro's annual community Independence Day Celebration will be held Saturday, at its traditional location at the scenic Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro's most enduring landmarks, plays a key role in the ceremonial observance.
The ceremony will begin with presentations by local and Korean community leaders. The Honorable Janice Hahn, Los Angeles City Councilwoman for the 15th District will be the keynote speaker. Representing the community bridge between our two cultures, will be the Honorable Consul General, Kim, Jae-Soo, from the Los Angeles Consulate of the Republic of Korea.
To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, John Olguin - Director Emeritus of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and San Pedro's "Citizen of the Millennium" will lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As he reads the names seven honored representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities will strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. The Korean Bell is rung officially on only four other occasions each year - Korean Independence Day (August 15th) Constitution Day (September 21st), and New Year's Eve.
Expected to join in the observance, will be representatives from the Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command at the Los Angeles Air Force Base; the Honorable Kim, Jae-Woo - Consul General, Consulate of the Republic of Korea; and representatives of the Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification of Korea - L.A. Chapter; the Honorary Mayor of San Pedro - Helene Pizzini; an antique vehicle display by the Ft. MacArthur Military Museum; the Reverend Oliver Bouie - Warren Chapel; vocalists Windy Barnes and Temple Beth El Cantor Ilan Davison; as well as, Anthony Pirozzi - San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Board Member. The Master of Ceremonies will be Steven B. Cho - CW2R California State Military Reserve.
Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and plan a daylong Independence Day celebration at this scenic hillside park overlooking the ocean. San Pedro"s Annual Fourth of July activities will conclude at 8:00 PM with a free outdoor concert on Cabrillo Beach by the Golden State Pops Orchestra and fireworks presented by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Panorama of the Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion
Korean Bell Angels Gate Park
3601 South Gaffey Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-519-0936