LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating March 1, 2010, as Korean Independ-
ence Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor with pleas-
ure and great pride, the Korean-American community of the State of New
York upon the historic occasion of the commemoration of March 1, 2010,
as Korean Independence Day; and
WHEREAS, A nationwide uprising on March 1, 1919, in Korea was an
outcry for national survival in the face of the intolerable aggression,
oppression, and plundering by the Japanese colonialists; an apparent
sudden change in the international situation in the wake of World War I
stimulated a group of Korean leaders to launch an independence struggle,
both at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, 33 nationalists, who formed the core of the Samil Movement,
convened at Taehwagwan Restaurant in Seoul, Korea, and read the Korean
Declaration of Independence that had been drawn up by the
historian/writer Choe Namseon and the poet/Buddhist monk Manhae, also
known as Han Yongun; and
WHEREAS, The nationalists initially planned to assemble at Tapgol Park
in downtown Seoul, but decided on a more private location out of fear
that the gathering might turn into a riot; the leaders of the movement
signed the document and sent a copy to the Japanese Governor General;
and
WHEREAS, In the early 1950s, thousands of Koreans, fleeing from war,
poverty, and desolation, came to the United States seeking opportu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, Korean-Americans, like waves of immigrants that came to the
United States before them, have taken root and thrived in the United
States through strong family ties, community support, and hard work; and
WHEREAS, The partnership of the United States and South Korea helps
maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and provides
economic benefits to the people of both nations and the rest of the
world; and
WHEREAS, The contributions of Korean-Americans to the United States
include the development of the first beating heart operation for coro-
nary artery disease, the development of several varieties of the necta-
rine, and achievements in engineering, architecture, medicine, acting,
singing, sculpture, and writing; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is fortunate to have in its midst a
substantial number of citizens who trace their origins to Korea; and
WHEREAS, The unique beauty of Korean culture and the contribution of
its people to literature, the arts and sciences, and to the economy, are
well-known and well-appreciated around the world; the contributions of
Korean-Americans are especially bountiful throughout the Empire State
and are distinguished by their excellence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate March 1, 2010, as Korean Independence Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Korean Association, the Korean-American Associ-
ation of Greater New York, Reverend Nam Su Kim, Adam Kim, and Insik
Hwang.