By Alex Robinson
Community leaders gathered in downtown Flushing last week to mourn the victims of the South Korean ferry tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 188 people.
State Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) organized a candlelight vigil at the Daniel Carter Beard Mall, an area across the street from Flushing Town Hall.
“In this time and age, whenever there is a tragedy, everyone in an entire community mourns together,” he told the huddled people on the mall April 23. “Flushing, one of the most diverse communities in the entire world, has come together to embrace and mourn the tragic accident that happened in South Korea.”
The ferry was carrying more than 300 high school students when it capsized April 16.
Divers were still retrieving bodies from the wreckage Wednesday afternoon and more than 100 people were still missing at that time.
The ferry sinking has draped the country in a deep gloom while it grieves for the hundreds of lives lost.
“Our hearts are aching and we want to send the message that we do care,” Kim said.
A number of people have been arrested over the handling of the accident, including the boat’s captain. Video footage released by the South Korean coast guard showed the captain leaving the ship on a rescue boat with his crew while hundreds of passengers remained on the boat.
The South Korean government’s response to the sinking has also sparked criticism, resulting in the resignation of the country’s prime minister, Chung Hong-won.
“As a parent, my heart was simply crushed as I watched how this terrible tragedy has unfolded,” said Ambassador Se-Joo Son, the consul general of South Korea, who attended the vigil. “As a Korean citizen, as a grown-up who should be looking out for the safety of our children and as a public servant interested to safeguard the interests of the public, I can’t help but feel a sense of guilt that we could not provide the best future for these students.”
He added that although the South Korean government is doing everything it can, its efforts will never be able to alleviate the grief suffered by the victims’ families.
“The government will be steadfast in its efforts in drastically improving public safety measures and correcting past wrongs,” he said.
Dr. Uma Mysorekar, president of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, and the Rev. Peter Song, of the Mok-Yang Presbyterian Church, said prayers for the victims and their families before a moment of silence was held.
A diverse group of community leaders gathered at the vigil to show solidarity and offer their condolences to Queens’ Korean community.
“Seeing the faces of our American friends gathered here to share the pain and show support, I feel we are one at heart. Regardless of ethnicity, nationalities or religious beliefs, we are one human family,” Son said.
A number of elected officials also attended the ceremony, including U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and state Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside).
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
