The White House
| U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the first-ever White House reception to celebrate Chuseok, a major harvest festival and the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, on Tuesday. The landmark event, held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, honored the rich heritage and significant contributions of Korean Americans to the U.S.
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| A celebration of Korean culture: The reception, a collaborative effort by the White House, the Council of Korean Americans and the Korean American Community Foundation, was a vibrant showcase of Korean culture. Attendees, including about 100 Korean Americans and U.S. officials, enjoyed traditional Korean music, dance and cuisine. The event featured performances by a Korean American youth choir from New York and Staff Sgt. Esther Kang, a South Korean-born member of the U.S. Army Band. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the vital role Korean Americans have played in shaping the nation, noting: “This diversity within your community is your strength just as our country’s diversity is our strength.”
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| Honoring heritage: In a written message, President Biden acknowledged the profound traditions of Chuseok and their ability to connect communities worldwide. He stressed the importance of embracing diverse cultural identities, reminding everyone that “We all come from somewhere, but we’re all Americans.” Vice President Harris echoed this sentiment, noting that Korean Americans have been an integral part of the nation’s fabric for centuries. “As we celebrate this beautiful tradition, we remember our history and look ahead toward building a more prosperous world for all those who will come after us,” she said. |
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