Title
Proclaiming January 13, 2020 as Korean American Day in Philadelphia to Celebrate and Commemorate the Proud Heritage of Korean Americans and their Invaluable Contributions to Enhancing the City’s Culture, Economy, and the Founding Ideals of Independence and Democracy.
Body
WHEREAS, The first wave of Korean immigrants to the United States, comprised of 102 people, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903. Today, 1.82 million people of Korean descent live throughout the United States and are part of a vibrant, growing Korean American community; and
WHEREAS, The Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean Americans have designated January 13 of each year as Korean American Day to commemorate first step of the long and prosperous journey of Korean Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, President George W. Bush issued a Proclamation to recognize January 13, 2003 as the Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States calling upon all Americans to observe the anniversary with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities honoring contributions of Korean immigrants and their descendants, including their courageous service in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and other wars to defend and uphold our American values; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, the United States Congress adopted Senate Resolution 283 and House of Representative Resolution 487, both supporting the goals and ideals of Korean American Day; and
WHEREAS, The Korean American community in the Philadelphia metropolitan area has grown to exceed 41,000 members. Korean Americans own many retail stores, provide various cultural opportunities, and are making important contributions in distinguished career fields such as law, medicine, business, education, architecture, and the arts; and
WHEREAS, There are ever greater exchanges between Korea and Philadelphia, and the friendship between the two regions has been characterized since the beginning by a shared love of freedom, dedication to peace, and building of prosperity; and
WHEREAS, On January 13, 2020, the City of Philadelphia will formally welcome the Korean American community and guests to City Hall to raise the South Korean Flag in celebration of Korean American Day; and
WHEREAS, All citizens of Philadelphia are encouraged participate in learning about the rich heritage and the contributions of Korean Americans that have been intrinsically woven into the American experience for 116 years; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby proclaims January 13, 2020 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the City’s culture, economy, and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the National Association For Korean Schools, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, for its exemplary leadership in educating the Korean American youth, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End