There is one instance where Korean children went on a strike just at Commencement time. It meant that they would not get their diplomas but that was just the reason they did it: to show their contempt for Japanese diplomas.
Japanese authorities begged them to return to school.
Finally on Commencement Day they decided to return.
Something had happened.
It was a day of rejoicing among the Japanese so they invited a lot of Japanese officers to the Commencement exercises.
The diplomas were given, to each boy; the Japanese teachers bowing, and smiling in their peculiar way.
Then a thirteen-year-old Korean boy stepped to the front to make the address of thanks. He made a beautiful speech of thanks. The Japanese teachers were bowing with delight.
But the boy's speech was not finished. He paused toward the end, threw back his blouse, lifted his proud head and said, "I have only this one thing further to add."
He knew the seriousness of what he was about to do. He knew that it would possibly mean death to him and his relatives.
"We want but one thing of you Japanese. You have given us education, and you have given us these diplomas. The teachers have been good to us."