Declare Korean American Day

January 13, 2018, as Korean American Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to pay tribute to those who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthen the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 13, 2018, as Korean American Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Korean American Day; and WHEREAS, January 13th was declared Korean American Day in 2003, by the United States Congress as a day on which the contributions of Korean Americans should be recognized and celebrated; and WHEREAS, In December of 1902, a group of 102 Korean immigrants embarked on a dangerous cross-Pacific voyage on the S. S. Gaelic to land in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 13, 1903; and WHEREAS, Over the next three years, approximately 1,000 Koreans entered the United States through San Francisco following countrymen who had established homes, educated their children, and established native language publications; they gradually migrated to the eastern United States where subsequent generations of Korean Americans established themselves in new communities; and WHEREAS, As patriotic citizens, Korean Americans served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces during World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and in the Middle East conflicts; and WHEREAS, The federal Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 opened the door for new Korean immigrants who have become one of the fastest growing groups of Asian Americans to settle in the United States; and WHEREAS, Since their arrival more than 100 years ago, Korean Americans have made outstanding contributions throughout American society; their rich cultural heritage and traditions have contributed greatly to the quality of life for residents of New York; and WHEREAS, Korean-owned businesses generate nearly $80 billion annually in the United States with New York State having the second largest number of Korean-owned businesses in the country; many Korean Americans live and work in Queens; through their hard work and tenacious effort, they have helped create a thriving multi-cultural community; and WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these important celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities; this much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will foster greater appreciation for Korean culture and serve to promote the spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 13, 2018, as Korean American Day in the State of New York, and to honor the contributions of Korean Americans in the United States and New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; the Korean American Association of New York; the Korean American Association of Queens; the Korean American Civic Empowerment Association; Korean Community Services; and the Korean American Family Service Center.