bRound Two: Opening of the Grand Peace March
On December 11, 2005, over 5,000 people all across the country gathered together in Pyeongtaek participating in a large peace march to protest against the expansion of U.S. bases in Pyeongtaek. This was the second major event held in Pyeongtaek to protest against U.S. bases. Those participating in the Peace March included Pyeongtaek citizens and farmers, laborers, and NGO activists. Activists from France, Brazil, Okinawa, and Japan also participated in support of the anti-base struggle.
Kim Jitae, chair of the Pyeongtaek Resident’s Action Committee criticized the Roh Moo-Hyun Administration, stating, “It is pathetic how (the government) turns their back against the reality that villagers residing in Pyeongtaek, will be evicted from their homes at any moment, but then holds a forum for North Korean human rights. How can (the government) make claims for North Korean human rights, when they turn their backs on their own fellow countrymen?”
Moon Kyung-Sik, chair of the Federation of Korean Farmer’s stated, “Because of WTO, farmers are now facing a dire situation. But the land in Pyeongtaek must be protected from the U.S. military.”
After dialogue and speeches at Pyeongtaek train station, at 3:40 pm, protestors marched towards Pyeongtaek city hall. At the very front, leading the march on three tractors were Pyeongtaek farmers. Also, Pyeongtaek farmers made funeral biers denouncing President Bush, the ROK Government, the Ministry of National Defense, the mayor of Pyeongtaek, and Pyonegtaek council members. About 5,000 marchers waved anti-base expansion yellow flags, shouting, “Reject forced land take over,” “Get rid of U.S. bases,” and “Let’s continue to farm next year.”
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