Korean friendship bell rings for juneteenth

By Devin Clements

Credit: RYM - Devin Clements

LOS ANGELES, CA -(RYM)- Juneteenth 2022 the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro rang to celebrate the United States newest federal holiday. 

The bell rings annually 5 days a year. On Independence, July 4th, National Liberation Day of Korea, August 15, New years Eve, on September 17 to Celebrate Constitution week along with other bell ringing’s across the country and on January 13 for Korean-American Day. Now the Friendship Bell will now be annually ringing for an additional day to celebrate Juneteenth as well. 

“The Korean Friendship Bell is as benevolent in structure as its intent to bring about peace and harmony to all who hear the bell ring in all directions,” Ernie Lee, executive director of the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee said. “I hope we can actually not only commemorate and honor the dead but also bring about healing to all who survived great ordeals.

“We felt it appropriate that we hold it at the Korean Friendship Bell and inaugurate it as part of the official ringing schedule that we have throughout the year,” said Lee

The Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee also worked with Windy City Entertainment and MusicUNTOLD, to host a concert after the ceremony of the bell ringing.

“This is the first we will actually celebrate it as a community celebration,” Said Lee.

The bell's first ring time in honor of Juneteenth was in 2021. However, no community event was hosted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This is only the second year of celebration since the holiday became an official federal holiday in 2021. Many other celebrations and events in honor of Juneteenth did take place throughout the surrounding Los Angeles and San Pedro area. Many more are also expected to manifest in the years to come and hopefully the Friendship Bell will be heard ringing through those nearby.