Senate Resolution No. 3390

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
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.