HR59: HR59 Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Korean American Day at the state capitol; recognize

25 LC 112 2746 House Resolution 59 By: Representatives Park of the 107 th, Hong of the 103 rd, Au of the 50 th, Tran of the 80 th, Williams of the 168th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Korean Amer ican Day at the state1 capitol; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the influence of Korean Americans may be observed in all facets of American3 life, from politics to industry, entrepreneurship to volunteeri sm, the arts, sports, and4 education; and5 WHEREAS, on January 13, 1903, the arrival of 102 pioneer immigrants to the United States6 initiated the beginning of Korean immigration to the United States; and7 WHEREAS, these pioneer Korean immigrants faced tremendous socia l and economic8 obstacles as well as languages barriers in America—the land of opportunity; and9 WHEREAS, the first generation of Korean immigrants established a new home in a new land10 through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for11 their children and future generations of Korean Americans; and12 H. R. 59 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2746 WHEREAS, members of the early Korean American community served with distinction in13 the United States Armed Forces during World War I, World War II , and the conflict in14 Korea; and15 WHEREAS, in the early 1950s, thousands of Koreans fleeing from war, poverty, and16 desolation came to the United States seeking opportunities; and17 WHEREAS, Korean Americans, like immigrants to the United States before and after them,18 have taken root and thrived because of strong family ties, robu st community support, and19 countless hours of hard work; and20 WHEREAS, Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality21 of the United States and the global marketplace; and22 WHEREAS, Korean Americans' contributions are widespread in business, not-for-profit, and23 other nongovernmental organizations, government, technology, me dical, athletic, art,24 entertainment, fashion, journalism, religious, and academic sec tors as well as in countless25 other facets of American life; and26 WHEREAS, the contributions of Korean Americans to the United St ates include the27 invention of the first beating heart operation for coronary artery heart disease, development28 of the nectarine, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, and achiev ements in engineering,29 architecture, medicine, acting, singing, sculpting, and writing; and30 WHEREAS, the population of Korean Americans in Georgia has increased 95 percent in the31 last decade, making them an important and integral part of communities across this state; and32 H. R. 59 - 2 - 25 LC 112 2746 WHEREAS, more than 100,000 Korean Americans call Georgia home, and Korean is the33 third most spoken language in the State of Georgia; and 34 WHEREAS, more than 130 Korean companies are active in Georgia a nd approximately35 $14.5 billion of foreign direct investments have strengthened t he economic ties and36 partnership between the Republic of Korea and the State of Georgia; and37 WHEREAS, for their outstanding contributions and decades of com munity service, civic38 engagement, and cross-cultural-education, we honor and thank Mr. Jay Eun, past president39 of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta; Mr. Na Sang Ho, past president of40 the Korean American Senior Association; Dr. Sam Sook Chung, the past president of the41 Korean American Scholarship Foundation Southern Regional Chapter; and Dr. Yong Kun42 Kim, founding member of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation Southern Regional43 Chapter, for their steadfast support and decades of contributio ns to the Korean American44 community and future generations in Georgia and the southeast; and45 WHEREAS, the 2025 Korean American Day marks the 20th anniversary of the first Korean46 American Day as recognized by the Congress of the United States of America.47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that48 the members of this body recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Korean American49 Day at the state capitol.50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized51 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the52 public and the press.53 H. R. 59 - 3 -