LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim Sunday, August 15, 2010, as Korean American Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, On August 15, 1945, South Korea commemorated its first Inde-
pendence Day to celebrate its freedom from decades of Japanese occupa-
tion and the formation of the South Korean Republic; and
WHEREAS, When the sons and daughters of other nations move to the
United States, the traditions they carry with them greatly enhance and
strengthen the American population; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim Sunday, August 15, 2010, as
Korean American Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In December 1902, 56 men, 21 women and 25 children left Korea
and traveled across the Pacific Ocean on the S.S. Gaelic and landed in
Honolulu, Hawaii on January 13, 1903; 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
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim Sunday, August 15,
2010, as Korean American Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and the Korean American Association of Greater New York.