It is my honor to represent my fellow volunteers on their behalf. We are here today to recognize their hard work and dedication put into the numerous hours of volunteering. However, I’d like to shed some light on one person who was not recognized; 유관순 누나. During the early 1900s, Korea was under oppression by Japan. 96 years ago this day, March 1st, 1919, Koreans demonstrated against Japanese control by holding an independence movement. One of the leaders, 유관순 누나 valiantly led her fellow countrymen against the Japanese igniting the spirit of freedom among them.
I had the luxury of seeing the fruits of my labor, but유관순 누나 could not as she died in prison due to brutal torture at just 17 years old. Seeing my effort result in real change made me realize that one person can make the difference. My volunteering started as a project, but eventually transformed into a lifestyle. Volunteering is more than sacrifice and dedication. It’s the spirit of caring and inspiring others. Something that유관순 누나 did for me, and now I hope to follow her lead, inspiring others to give back.
Thank you!
Justin Lee (영민)
