House Joint Resolution 12
Whereas on January 13,
1903, the first Korean Americans settled in
Whereas Korean
Americans, like waves of immigrants to the United States before them, have
taken root and thrived in the United States through strong family ties, robust
community support and countless hours of hard work; and
Whereas the more than
25,000 Korean Americans living in the State of Oregon have made substantial
contributions to their communities and have invigorated businesses, churches
and academic interests in the United States; and
Whereas members of the
early Korean American community served with distinction in the Armed Forces of
the United States during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the
Vietnam War; and
Whereas on June 25,
1950, communist North Korea invaded South Korea with approximately 135,000
troops, thereby initiating the involvement of approximately 5,720,000 members
of the Armed Forces of the United States who served during the Korean War to
defeat the spread of communism in Korea and throughout the world; and
Whereas casualties of
the Armed Forces of the United States during the Korean War included 54,246
dead, of whom 33,741 were battle deaths, and 103,284 wounded; and
Whereas South Korea is Oregon’s
second largest trading partner, and our state exported more than $1.3 billion
in goods to
Whereas the United
States Congress passed resolutions in 2005 to commemorate Korean American Day;
and
Whereas the Centennial
Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean Americans have designated January
13 of each year as Korean American Day to commemorate the more than 100-year
journey of Korean Americans in the United States; and
Whereas the State of
Be It Resolved by the
Legislative Assembly of the State of
That we, the members of
the Seventy-fourth Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon, recognize and
express our appreciation for the numerous outstanding achievements and
contributions Korean Americans have made that have enriched communities
throughout Oregon, and around the country, and encourage citizens and
organizations throughout Oregon to join the celebration of Korean American Day
on January 13 with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
Filed in the office of Secretary of State May 10, 2007
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