[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING KOREAN AMERICAN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the arrival of Korean immigrants to the United States.
  On January 13, 1903, the first wave of Korean immigrants arrived in 
Hawaii. Although recruited to do backbreaking work on the sugar 
plantations, they arrived with great hope that they would find a better 
life for themselves and their children in this country. The second wave 
of Korean immigrants arrived after World War II and the Korean War. 
They came in search of political and educational freedom. The third 
influx of Korean immigrants arrived after 1965. Many in this last group 
were medical professionals who came to fill the shortage of health care 
workers in our inner cities. Since then, others have arrived and have 
pursued the American Dream of owning successful small businesses. These 
``mom and pop'' shops have helped to revitalize declining neighborhoods 
and provide an important economic stimulus in communities throughout 
the nation. Despite language and cultural barriers and sometimes 
blatant discrimination, Korean Americans--like so many other immigrants 
who arrive to this country--are helping to keep America strong.
  Toward this end, the Korean American community has shown its 
tremendous resiliency. Racial struggles exist in all communities. But 
we are obligated to reflect back upon certain tragedies as important 
reminders. Following the loss of life and extensive property damage in 
the Los Angeles riots of 1992, the Korean-American community and the 
Nation grieved and sought out better ways to prevent future violence. 
Many in the Korean-American community cite the Los Angeles riots as the 
historical turning point that led to the political mobilization of 
Korean Americans nationwide and brought about a new awareness for the 
need to reach out and build better relationships with other ethnic 
groups.
  Today, as we continue to heal past wounds and embrace our 
differences, I can say with great pride that the growing Korean 
American community in this country makes up a valuable, dynamic and 
integral part of our diverse society. Korean Americans serve in our 
armed services. World War II history buffs will recall the brave and 
heroic acts of Colonel Young Oak Kim. He became the most decorated 
soldier in the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team. 
For his bravery, he earned the Silver Star Medal for saving countless 
American lives. As successful entrepreneurs, Korean-American business 
owners contribute $45 billion annually to our Nation's economy. Korean 
Americans have a great influence in the fashion industry, international 
trade, restaurants and many other community businesses. Korean cuisine 
is also crossing cultural lines. Enjoyed by Americans throughout the 
country, kimchi, for example, is a spicy pickled cabbage that is now 
famous for literally bringing tears to the faint.
  Overall, Korean Americans have made significant contributions to this 
country in a wide variety of professions, ranging from the arts to 
medicine to the sciences. As a Nation, we are benefiting from this 
tremendous wealth of knowledge and talent.
  With nearly 2 million Korean Americans living in the United States, 
Korean immigration is an important part of our Nation's history and 
collective heritage. Like most immigrants, Koreans brought with them 
the deeply embedded and cherished American values of hard work, 
sacrifice, and respect for family, church and community.
  This was especially apparent at the January 13 gala dinner that I 
attended along with my colleague, Linda Sanchez. The beautiful affair 
brought to an end a year-long celebration marking the 100th anniversary 
of the arrival of Korean Americans to this country. The Centennial 
Committee of Korean Immigration to the U.S. and the Korean American Day 
Committee are to be commended for making the celebration possible.
  I would like to thank both Committees for allowing me to be a part of 
this wonderful celebration and, above all, for their commitment to 
preserving the tremendous history of the Korean American community. 
Because of their efforts, current and future generations will have a 
greater awareness of the proud legacy of the Korean American community 
and its important contribution over the last 100 years to the beautiful 
mosaic that today makes up and binds our diverse and great Nation.