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Proclaiming January 13, 2022 as Korean American Day in Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhance 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, 1.9 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 13th 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 recognizing January 13, 2003 as the anniversary of Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States. The proclamation called upon all Americans to observe the anniversary with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities honoring contributions of Korean immigrants and their descendants, especially 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, which both supported the goals and ideals of Korean American Day; and
WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Census data, the Korean American community in the Philadelphia metropolitan area has grown to exceed 42,000 members. Korean Americans own many retail stores, provide various cultural opportunities, and are making important contributions in several distinguished career fields such as law, government, medicine, business, education, architecture, and the arts; and
WHEREAS, Significant exchanges between Korea and Philadelphia are ever increasing, and the friendship between the two has been characterized by a shared love of freedom, dedication to peace, and building of prosperity; and
WHEREAS, Most recently, these ties have deepened with the establishment of the Consular Office of the Republic of Korea in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia will formally welcome the Korean American community and guests to City Hall to raise the South Korean Flag on January 13. The program will also feature 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 to participate in learning about the rich heritage and contributions of Korean Americans that have been intrinsically woven into the American experience for 119 years; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby proclaims January 13, 2022 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhance 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 Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi), for its exemplary leadership in serving the Korean American seniors as well as the community at large, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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