[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      HONORING KOREAN AMERICAN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2016

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, one hundred thirteen years 
ago this month, pioneers from Korea first journeyed to our shores in 
search of opportunity, prosperity, and freedom. These early Korean 
Americans worked hard in our growing country, started families, and 
established strong communities. Over the past century, Korean Americans 
have made strong contributions to our fields of medicine, engineering, 
research, and innovation, and have become respected community leaders 
and elected officials.
   The United States shares a special relationship with the Republic of 
Korea forged during the Korean War and solidified by the greater global 
struggle for freedom in the 20th century. In response to the invasion 
of North Korean and communist forces in 1950, the United States led a 
global coalition to defend Korean sovereignty. Millions of American and 
Korean soldiers fought side by side and formed friendships during the 
conflict. Guided by desire to foster trust and mutual cooperation in 
the region, the U.S.-Korea alliance has stabilized a region subjected 
to terror by North Korea.
   Last November, I had the privilege of visiting the Republic. Over 
the course of my three-day visit, I enjoyed robust policy discussions 
with Korean leaders on numerous topics, deepening old friendships while 
forging new ones. It was evident to me that the U.S.-Korea alliance has 
never been stronger. The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) has 
brought economic growth to both of our countries, and American exports 
to Korea reached a record level last year. As I continue to reflect on 
my visit to the Republic, I am reminded of the deep and abiding 
responsibility all American leaders should feel towards preserving the 
U.S.-Korea alliance. The vigor and vitality of the Korean people and 
their commitment to democracy, a free market economy, and the rule of 
law--our common values--is simply inspirational. We owe that commitment 
to our esteemed Korean War veterans--the 1.8 million Americans who 
fought and sacrificed so much in that awful conflict to help birth one 
of the greatest democracies and alliances in the history of 
civilization.
   Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Korean American Day. As the co-
chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I am proud to recognize 
our nations' special relationship and the powerful contributions that 
Korean Americans have made to the United States, especially those who 
have served with distinction in our Armed Forces. In the years to come, 
the U.S.-Korea alliance will surely be tested but our faith and 
determination will never falter or waiver.

                          ____________________