WHEREAS, The first wave of Korean immigrants to the United States, comprised of 102 people, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903. Today, 1.7 million people of Korean descent live throughout the United States and are part of a vibrant, growing Korean American Community; and
WHEREAS, Over a century ago, Dr. Philip Jaisohn, a notable figure in Korea's independence movement from Japan, made his home in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and he became the first Korean to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. Dr. Philip Jaisohn's legacy, founded on his uncompromising commitment to independence and democracy, is carried on by The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation, founded in 1975 in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Korean American Community in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has grown to over 80,000 people. Korean Americans own many retail stores, provide various cultural opportunities, and are making important contributions in distinguished career fields such as law, medicine, business, teaching, architecture and the arts; and
WHEREAS, There are ever greater exchanges between Korea and Philadelphia, and the friendship between the two regions has been embodied since the beginning by the values of love of freedom, dedication to peace, and building of prosperity; and
WHEREAS, In recognition for the Centennial Korean Immigration to the United States, all Citizens of Philadelphia are encouraged to participate in learning about the rich heritage and contributions of Korean Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby proclaims January 13, 2014 as the Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the City's culture, economy, and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Chapter of Korean American Foundation of USA further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End