[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7638 of January 13, 2003
 
The Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

From every corner of the world, immigrants have come to America to
discover the promise of our Nation. On January 13, 1903, the first
Korean immigrants to the United States arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on
the SS Gaelic. Today, Korean Americans live throughout the United
States, representing one of our largest Asian-American populations. As
we commemorate the centennial anniversary of Korean immigration to the
United States, we recognize the invaluable contributions of Korean

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Americans to our Nation's rich cultural diversity, economic strength,
and proud heritage.
For the past century, Korean immigrants and their descendants have
helped build America's prosperity, strengthened America's communities,
and defended America's freedoms. Through their service in World War I,
World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and other wars,
Korean Americans have served our Nation with honor and courage,
upholding the values that make our country strong.
The American and Korean people share a love of freedom and a dedication
to peace. The United States was the first Western country to sign a
treaty of commerce and amity with Korea in 1882, promising ``perpetual
peace and friendship'' between our nations. Since that time, the United
States has built a strong friendship with Korea--a friendship based on
our common commitment to human dignity, prosperity, and democracy. In
the coming months, more than 1 million Korean Americans throughout our
Nation will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first
Korean immigrants to the United States. During this time, we acknowledge
and commend Korean Americans for their distinguished achievements in all
sectors of life and for their important role in building, defending, and
sustaining the United States of America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 13, 2003, as the
Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States. I call upon all
Americans to observe the anniversary with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities honoring Korean immigrants and their
descendants for their countless contributions to America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH