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Proclaiming January 13, 2021 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.
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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 the 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 even greater exchanges between Korea and Philadelphia, and the friendship between the two has been characterized by a shared love of freedom, dedication to peace, and building of prosperity; and
WHEREAS, These ties are only deepening with the establishment of the Consular Office of the Republic of Korea in the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia welcomes the new Consular Office of the Republic of Korea, and looks forward to partnering in its mission to promote and strengthen the cultural, personal, and economic ties between the people of the Republic of Korea and the people of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Traditionally, in celebration of Korean American Day, the City of Philadelphia formally welcomes the Korean American community and guests to City Hall to raise the South Korean Flag; and
WHEREAS, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, commemorations for this year’s Korean American Day will be hosted virtually; and
WHEREAS, The program will be made available to the public and will feature a virtual flag raising, musical performances, and guest speakers to recognize the important work of the Korean American community, including its role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, All citizens of Philadelphia are encouraged participate in learning about the rich heritage and 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, 2021 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 Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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