K 829: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 13, 2026 as Korean American Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 829 BY: M. of A. Kim MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 13, 2026 as Korean American Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize important dates which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day in the State of New York, and to recognize the 123rd Anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States; and WHEREAS, When the sons and daughters of other nations move to the United States, the traditions they carry with them greatly enhance and strengthen the American population; and WHEREAS, The influence of Korean Americans may be observed in all facets of American life, from politics to industry, entrepreneurship to volunteerism, the arts, and education; and WHEREAS, In December of 1902, 56 men, 21 women and 25 children left Korea and traveled across the Pacific Ocean on the S.S. Gaelic and landed in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903, initiating the first large wave of Korean immigration to America; and WHEREAS, These pioneer Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and economic obstacles, as well as language barriers in America, the land of opportunity; and WHEREAS, In pursuit of the American dream, Korean immigrants initially served as farmworkers, wage laborers, and section hands throughout the United States; and WHEREAS, First generation Korean immigrants established a new home in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future generations of Korean Americans; and WHEREAS, The centennial year of 2003 marked an important milestone in the history of Korean immigration; and WHEREAS, Korean Americans, like other groups of immigrants who came to the United States before them, seeking a better life and opportunity, have thrived in their new homeland due to a strong work ethic, family bonds, and community spirit; and WHEREAS, Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the United States, the State of New York, and the global marketplace; and WHEREAS, Korean Americans have invigorated businesses, not-for-profit and other nongovernmental organizations, government, technology, medicine, athletics, arts and entertainment, journalism, churches, academic communities, and countless facets of American life; and WHEREAS, Korean Americans have built and strengthened the alliance between the United States, the State of New York, and the Republic of Korea, fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula; and WHEREAS, Korean Americans have made enormous contributions to the military strength of the United States and served with distinction in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the conflict in Korea, and subsequent military conflicts across the globe; 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: now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.