Proclaiming January 13, 2025 as Korean American Day in Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhance the City's culture, economy, and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.

WHEREAS, The first wave of Korean immigrants to the United States, comprised of 102 people, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903. Today, 1.9 million people of Korean descent live throughout the United States and are part of a vibrant, growing Korean American community; and

WHEREAS, The Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean Americans have designated January 13th of each year as Korean American Day to commemorate the first step of the long and prosperous journey of Korean Americans in the United States; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush issued a Proclamation recognizing January 13, 2003 as the anniversary of Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States. The proclamation called upon all Americans to observe the anniversary with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities honoring contributions of Korean immigrants and their descendants, especially their courageous service in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and other wars to defend and uphold our American values; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, the United States Congress adopted Senate Resolution 283 and House of Representative Resolution 487, which both supported the goals and ideals of Korean American Day; and

WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Census data, the Korean American community in the Greater Philadelphia area has grown to exceed 42,000 members. Korean Americans own many retail stores, provide various cultural opportunities, and are making important contributions in several distinguished career fields such as law, government, medicine, business, education, architecture, and the arts; and

WHEREAS, Significant exchanges between Korea and Philadelphia are ever increasing, and the friendship between the two has been characterized by a shared love of freedom, dedication to peace, and building of prosperity; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia will formally welcome the Korean American community and guests to City Hall to raise the South Korean Flag on January 13. The program will also feature musical performances and guest speakers to recognize the important work of the Korean American community; and

WHEREAS, All citizens of Philadelphia are encouraged to participate in learning about the rich heritage and contributions of Korean Americans that have been intrinsically woven into the American experience for 119 years; and

WHEREAS, On November 5th, 2024, Andy Kim won the general election in New Jersey to become the first Korean American United States Senator. He was sworn in on December 9th, 2024; and

WHEREAS, On November 5th 2024, Patty Kim won the general election in Pennsylvania to become the first Korean American Pennsylvania State Senator; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby proclaims January 13, 2025 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhance 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 Senator Andy Kim and Senator-elect Patty Kim, for its exemplary leadership in serving the Korean American community at large, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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