LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2015 as Korean American Family Month in the State of New
York

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, 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 land-
ed in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903; and
WHEREAS, Since their arrival, Korean Americans have taken root and
thrived in the United States through strong family ties, community
support, and hard work; and
WHEREAS, Family values and the importance of education are at the core
of Korean culture; specifically, the concept of "filial piety," or love
and respect for one's parents and ancestors, is a vital family virtue
honored by Koreans for centuries; and
WHEREAS, May is considered "Family Month" in Korean culture with Chil-
dren's Day falling on May 5th, Parents' Day on May 8th, and Teachers'
Day on May 15th; and
WHEREAS, Children's Day was founded in 1923, by Mr. Jeong-Hwan Bang, a
children's book author and children's rights activist, to promote love
and respect for youth; and
WHEREAS, The Proclamation of Children's Day, which was presented by
Mr. Bang on May 1, 1923, contains eight requests by children to adults,
such as treating children with respect and providing a caring environ-
ment for children to learn and develop; and
WHEREAS, Acknowledging that children are the future of the nation, the
day became a public holiday in Korea in 1975, allowing parents and chil-
dren to spend the day together to strengthen the ties of the family; and
WHEREAS, Since 1973, Koreans have celebrated Parents' Day on May 8th
by presenting their parents with a red carnation and gifts; in addition,
various ceremonies are held in the Korean American community to recog-
nize sons and daughters who have rendered exemplary care and services to
parents and elderly; and
WHEREAS, May 15th is designated as Teacher's Day; while teachers are
not blood relatives, they have long occupied a special place of honor
and dignity in Korean culture; and
WHEREAS, Korea has a long tradition of sincere respect and admiration
for teachers, and students are taught to respect their teachers from the
very first time they enter a school; and
WHEREAS, Respect for teachers does not only take place in schools but
also in every household; it goes along with Korean culture where the
elderly are greatly respected for their lifelong wisdom and hard work on
behalf of Korean society; and
WHEREAS, The Korean American community in New York State continues to
honor family values through various events and ceremonies held annually
during the month of May; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has always been richer, culturally and
socially, as a result of many contributions of its vibrant Korean-Ameri-
can community; New York is also fortunate to have in its midst a
substantial number of citizens who trace their origins to Korea; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2015 as Korean
American Family Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; the Korean American Association of Greater New York; the Korean
American Association of Queens; Korean American Filial Piety, Inc.; and
the Korean American Parents Association of Greater New York.