Page 74 - NAKS MAC 2026 EBook

When I compare American and Korean independence, I notice important similarities. Both movements
were connected to the desire for self-determination and the belief that people should have a voice in
their own future. However, their circumstances were also very different. The American Revolution was a
war against British colonial rule in the eighteenth century, while the Korean independence movement
was a struggle against Japanese colonial rule in the twentieth century. The March 1st Movement itself
was largely focused on peaceful demonstrations, while the American Revolution involved armed conflict.
Even though the two movements were different, both show how strongly people can value freedom
when they feel that their rights and identity are being threatened.
As a Korean American student today, learning about both histories makes me appreciate my freedom in a
deeper way. I have the opportunity to go to school, learn about my heritage, express my opinions, and
think about what I want my future to look like. I can celebrate Korean traditions while also being part of
American society. I can speak Korean, learn about Korean history, celebrate American holidays, and study
the history of both countries. Having these opportunities may seem normal to me because I have grown
up with them, but history reminds me that freedom and cultural identity have often required great
sacrifice.
I also have a responsibility to remember the people who came before me. I can honor Korean
independence activists by learning about Korean history, appreciating my culture, and sharing its stories
with others. At the same time, I can honor the ideals behind American independence by understanding
the importance of rights, equality, responsibility, and participation in society. Independence does not
mean that I can do whatever I want without thinking about other people. Instead, I believe independence
means having freedom while understanding the responsibility that comes with it.
Sometimes I wonder what an independence activist from Korea in 1919 would think if they could see my
life today. They might be amazed that their sacrifices helped create a future where Korean students can
live freely, receive an education, and be proud of their heritage. I also wonder what an American
revolutionary from 1776 would think if they could see the United States today. They might be surprised
by how much the country has changed and how many different cultures and backgrounds are
represented. They might also recognize that the ideas of freedom and rights they fought for continue to
be debated and protected by each new generation.
Both histories remind me that independence is not the end of the story. Declaring independence or
gaining freedom does not automatically create a perfect society. Every generation has a responsibility to
protect the rights and freedoms that previous generations worked to establish. This means respecting
other people’s rights, standing up against unfairness, listening to different perspectives, and using the
opportunities we have to make our communities better. Freedom is strongest when people understand
that their choices can affect others.
As a Korean American, I feel especially connected to the idea of independence because I carry parts of
two histories with me. Korea’s independence movement teaches me about courage, sacrifice, cultural
identity, and the importance of remembering where I come from. American independence teaches me
about self- government, individual rights, and the responsibility that comes with freedom. Together,
these histories help me understand that independence is not simply about a country separating from
another country. It is also about people having the opportunity to determine their own future and
protect the values that matter to them.
To me, independence is more than a historical event. It is a legacy passed down from one generation to
the next. The people who fought for Korea’s freedom and the people who fought for American
independence helped shape the world that I live in today. Their sacrifices gave future generations a
chance to build their own lives. Now, it is my responsibility to appreciate that freedom, protect it, and
make their sacrifices meaningful through the choices I make. I may not face the same challenges that
people faced in 1776 or 1919, but I can still carry their lessons with me. By learning from the past,
respecting the freedoms I have, and using them responsibly, I can help create a future that honors the
courage of those who came before me.

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