The City of Angels on Friday, Aug. 9, celebrated the history and culture of the Sri Lankan, Korean and Ecuadorian communities in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles City Council meeting kicked off with a special presentation – which featured a traditional drum performance – in recognition of the 79th anniversary of Korean Independence Day, which is formally observed on Aug. 15.
Members of the Korean and Korean American community who spoke noted that L.A. is home to the biggest Koreatown in the world, and that L.A. was the first U.S. city to acknowledge Korea as an independent country.
It was at L.A. City Hall that the Korean flag was raised in August 1942 – three years before the country officially gained independence. The flag-raising ceremony was broadcast worldwide and led to other cities and states following suit, one speaker said.
The L.A. City Council also recognized Ecuadorian Independence Day, noting that Saturday, Aug. 10, marks the 215th anniversary of that country’s independence, and recognized the Ecuadorian community’s cultural and economic contributions to L.A.
In addition, City Hall came alive with music and dancing in honor of Sri Lanka Day. Dancers in traditional Sri Lankan garb performed in the forecourt and the Sri Lankan flag was raised while attendees were treated to food from the South Asian country.
Before the music and dancing began, the City Council recognized Dr. Walter Jayasinghe. The physician, also known as “Dr. Jay,” established the Sri Lanka Foundation and the Los Angeles Medical Center Foundation, two nonprofits that provide medical support to individuals and their families, according to Councilmember Heather Hutt.
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