In reflection of Independence Day, the South Seattle Emerald reached out to contributors, friends, and community members to respond to the ongoing quest for independence and sovereignty. From Korea to India, from Thailand to Azerbaijan, countries have grappled with the question of liberation and self-determination.
Korea ended up seeing two separate Aug. 15 Liberation Day events, Thursday, as civic groups and opposition parties boycotted a unified celebration due to political differences. This division highlights the complex nature of independence movements and the role of internal divisions in hindering progress towards autonomy.
On 7 August 2024, Thailand's Constitutional Court dissolved the reformist Move Forward Party, claiming its pledge to amend the law of the land threatened national security. This controversial move raises questions about the limits of independence and the trade-offs between freedom and stability.
Nothing supplants our U.S. Constitution – no legislation, no executive order, no judicial ruling, unless we Americans permit such erosion of our foundational principles. The ongoing struggle for independence is not just a historical relic, but a present-day challenge that requires vigilance and action to preserve our rights and freedoms.
As India celebrates 77 years of independence, the question remains: who truly enjoys the freedom we fought for? Despite progress in many areas, disparities in wealth, education, and opportunity persist, raising concerns about the inclusivity and sustainability of independence.
The national anthem of Georgia was performed by 300 children, among whom were students of Georgian community schools operating abroad. This symbolic gesture underscores the transnational nature of independence movements, which often involve diaspora communities and global networks of support.
The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight of freedom shines on some more brightly than others, revealing the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion in the quest for independence.
“I congratulate Azerbaijan, with whom we share the spirit of 'One nation, two states', on 28 May - the Independence Day, and sincerely share in the joy of their sovereignty and autonomy. This message of solidarity and mutual respect reflects the interconnectedness of independence movements and the importance of global cooperation in advancing shared values.
Independence Day: The U.S. was founded based on a dark past, a very dark past, that we still have not been able to break away from its binding legacy. The legacy of colonialism, slavery, and systemic injustice continues to shape our society, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for liberation and equality.
