40th Annual Ringing of the Historic Korean Bell

San Pedro’s 40^th annual community Independence Day Celebration will be held Monday, July 4^th, 2016 at the scenic Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, will play a key role in this free ceremonial observance.

All are welcome for this free ceremony that will include an art exhibition by Master Kwon, a procession led by percussion drummers, remarks from local dignitaries and a special musical performance. The ceremony will conclude with a ringing of the Korean Bell 13 times, once for each of the original American states. Guest speakers include Congresswoman Janice Hahn and CA State Senator Isadore Hall.

• 10:00 AM:       Exhibition of Paintings by Master Kwon “Beauty of LA” at the Information Center
• 10:30 AM:       Procession to the Bell
• 10:45 AM:       Program
• 12:00 PM:       Ringing of the Historic Korean Bell

The bell will be rung 13 times, once for each of the original 13 states.  As the names are read representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities will strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. The Korean Bell is rung officially on only four other occasions each year — Korean Independence Day (August 15^th) Constitution Day (September 21^st), New Year’s Eve and Korean American Day (January 13^th).

Angels Gate Park is located at 3601 South Gaffey Street in San Pedro. The free event is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks; the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce; the Office of Councilman Joe Buscaino and the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee (KFBPC).

For further information on this event, please contact the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, 310 832-7272.