[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 165 (Monday, December 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2618-E2619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF KOREAN AMERICAN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2005

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 487, which 
would establish January 13 of each year as Korean American Day to 
celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean-American 
immigrants to the United States (January 13, 1903). The Korean American 
community has added so much to the vibrant culture of Chicago and our 
country. Illinois has the 4th largest Korean population in the United 
States, and Chicago alone has close to 12,000 Korean residents.
  Korean-Americans have taken root and thrived in the United States 
through strong family ties and community support. Through hard work, 
Koreans have invigorated businesses, churches, and academic communities 
in the United States.
  My constituents like Mr. Jin Lee, have made tremendous contributions 
to my city of Chicago. At the age of fourteen, Mr. Lee arrived in this 
country and has since been actively serving the Korean-American 
community. He

[[Page E2619]]

co-founded the Keumsil Cultural Society, which promotes Korean American 
culture. He was Executive Director of the Chicago Korean American 
Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Village of Skokie's Immigrant 
Advisory Task Force and a committee member of the Skokie Festival of 
Cultures. He works hard on behalf of the community and has been 
recognized and honored by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 
Trade, the Republic of Korea and Mayor Richard M. Daley's office. He 
also served as goodwill ambassador for ``Visit Korea 2001'' and served 
as Vice President of the Korean American Association of Chicago. He 
recognizes the importance of promoting cultural diversity and 
supporting the immigrant community.
  As a first generation American and as a Congresswoman who is honored 
to represent one of the most richly diverse districts in the country, I 
have a deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions Korean-
Americans have made to the United States. Korean-Americans, like Mr. 
Lee, contribute so much to and are an inspiration to others seeking to 
share in the American dream. This resolution provides much needed and 
deserved recognition to the Korean-American community for the 
invaluable mark they have had on the diversity and prominence of our 
great nation.

                          ____________________