Assembly Resolution No. 12

BY: M. of A. Kim

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 13, 2023, as Korean American Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
important dates which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 13, 2023, as
Korean American Day in the State of New York, and to recognize the 120th
Anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United
States; 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, The influence of Korean Americans may be observed in all
facets of American life, from politics to industry, entrepreneurship to
volunteerism, the arts, and education; and

WHEREAS, In December of 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, initiating the first
large wave of Korean immigration to America; and

WHEREAS, These pioneer Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and
economic obstacles, as well as language barriers in America, the land of
opportunity; and

WHEREAS, In pursuit of the American dream, Korean immigrants
initially served as farmworkers, wage laborers, and section hands
throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, First generation Korean immigrants established a new home
in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense
sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future
generations of Korean Americans; and

WHEREAS, The centennial year of 2003 marked an important milestone
in the history of Korean immigration; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans, like other groups of immigrants who came
to the United States before them, seeking a better life and opportunity,
have thrived in their new homeland due to a strong work ethic, family
bonds, and community spirit; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the
economic vitality of the United States, the State of New York, and the
global marketplace; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans have invigorated businesses,
not-for-profit and other nongovernmental organizations, government,
technology, medicine, athletics, arts and entertainment, journalism,
churches, academic communities, and countless facets of American life;
and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans have built and strengthened the alliance
between the United States, the State of New York, and the Republic of
Korea, fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans have made enormous contributions to the
military strength of the United States and served with distinction in
the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the
conflict in Korea, and subsequent military conflicts across the globe;
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: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 13, 2023, as
Korean American Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.