[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 134 (Thursday, October 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S11673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 283--RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF KOREAN 
   AMERICANS TO THE UNITED STATES AND ENCOURAGING THE CELEBRATION OF 
                        ``KOREAN AMERICAN DAY''

  Mr. ALLEN (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                              S. Res. 283

       Whereas on January 13, 1903, the arrival of 102 pioneer 
     immigrants to the United States initiated the first chapter 
     of Korean immigration to the United States;
       Whereas members of the early Korean American community 
     served with distinction in the Armed Forces of the United 
     States during World War I, World War II, and the conflict in 
     Korea;
       Whereas in the early 1950s, thousands of Koreans, fleeing 
     from war, poverty, and desolation, came to the United States 
     seeking opportunities;
       Whereas Korean Americans, like waves of immigrants to the 
     United States before them, have taken root and thrived as a 
     result of strong family ties, robust community support, and 
     countless hours of hard work;
       Whereas the contributions of Korean Americans to the United 
     States include the invention of the first beating heart 
     operation for coronary artery heart disease, development of 
     the nectarine, a 4-time Olympic gold medalist, and 
     achievements in engineering, architecture, medicine, acting, 
     singing, sculpture, and writing;
       Whereas Korean Americans play a crucial role in maintaining 
     the strength and vitality of the United States-Korean 
     partnership;
       Whereas the centennial year of 2003 marked an important 
     milestone in the now more than 100-year history of Korean 
     immigration; and
       Whereas the Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and 
     Korean Americans have designated January 13th of each year as 
     ``Korean American Day'' to memorialize the more than 100-year 
     journey of Korean Americans in the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``Korean American 
     Day'';
       (2) commemorates the 103rd anniversary of the arrival of 
     the first Korean immigrants to the United States; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to--
       (A) share in such commemoration in order to greater 
     appreciate the valuable contributions Korean Americans have 
     made to the United States; and
       (B) to observe ``Korean American Day'' with appropriate 
     programs, ceremonies, and activities.

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Allen as an 
original cosponsor in submitting a resolution recognizing the 
contributions of Korean Americans and encouraging the celebration of 
``Korean American Day.''
  On January 13, 1903, a group of 102 men, women and children arrived 
on the shores of Honolulu, HI, after a long journey across the Pacific 
Ocean from Korea. The story of these pioneers is a familiar one to all 
of us who trace our roots to a foreign nation.
  Like countless other immigrant groups before them, Koreans came to 
America in search of a better future. Others came to flee a devastating 
war, repressive government, and poverty. They traded in their sweat 
equity and homesickness for the priceless opportunity to achieve better 
economic and educational opportunities and freedom for themselves and 
for their families in America.
  During the past century, the Korean American population has grown to 
over one million, and Korean Americans now live in every single State 
of our union. Today, they represent one of the largest Asian American 
populations in the Nation. I am proud to note that my State of Illinois 
is home to over 50,000 Korean Americans, making it the fourth most 
populated State for Korean Americans, according to the 2000 census 
data.
  The contributions made by Korean Americans to our Nation include 
numerous achievements in the fields of economics, education, science, 
architecture, medicine, athletics, religion, and the arts. Their 
entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to hard work have allowed Korean 
American-owned businesses to become the commercial and economic 
foundations in countless American cities and counties. The unique 
traditional customs, cultures, and the foods of the ``Land of the 
Morning Calm'' have enhanced the mosaic of our society.
  Thousands of Korean Americans have served in our Armed Services, from 
the two World Wars to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They 
have also served in public and private ways to enhance the long 
standing relationship between the United States and Korea that is based 
on our shared economic and security interests.
  The 102 pioneers who made that fateful decision to leave their home 
country in 1902 for Hawaii probably wished for not much more than a 
chance to live on the rich American soil. Never in their wildest 
imagination could they have known that, a century later, and just a few 
miles from where they landed in Honolulu, a sixteen-year-old Korean 
American girl would announce to an eagerly awaiting world that she 
would become a professional golfer.
  Michelle Wie's announcement from earlier this month instantly places 
her among the most recognizable American celebrities, and makes her the 
third highest-paid female athlete in any sport, based on commercial 
endorsement deals she has accepted. Yet, in her very first act as a 
professional golfer, Michelle donated $500,000 to the hurricane relief 
effort. And, she will continue to attend high school where she is an 
honors student.
  Korean Americans have indeed come a long way in their rich one 
hundred year history. In January 2003, Korean Americans all across the 
Nation celebrated this centennial anniversary. Leading up to that 
significant milestone, the United States Senate unanimously adopted a 
resolution during the 107th Congress.
  To continue recognizing this history of Korean Americans, I believe 
it is appropriate to celebrate the 13th day of each January as ``Korean 
American Day.'' The Allen-Durbin resolution would encourage such a 
tradition.
  I ask my colleagues to support this resolution honoring the 
continuing contributions of Korean Americans to our great Nation.

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