Bill Text: NJ AJR39 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates January 13th of each year as "Korean American Day."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-16 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee [AJR39 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AJR39-Introduced.html
No. 39
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
216th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2014 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman GORDON M. JOHNSON
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Designates January 13th of each year as "Korean American Day."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
A Joint Resolution designating January 13th of each year as "Korean American Day" in the State of New Jersey.
Whereas, For more than a century, Korean immigrants and their descendants have built America's prosperity, defended the nation's freedoms, defined American society, and strengthened our communities; and
Whereas, On January 13, 1903, the history of Korean immigration to the United States began as 102 Korean men, women, and children arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii after traversing the Pacific Ocean aboard the S.S. Gaelic; and
Whereas, Between 1903 and 1905, thousands of Korean immigrants followed in their path, in search of economic opportunities and new beginnings many Korean immigrants worked as contract laborers on Hawaiian sugar plantations; and
Whereas, Since the beginning of the 20th century, Korean immigrants and their descendants have moved beyond harvesting and processing sugar cane, making inroads into every facet of American life and becoming national and global leaders in the fields of finance, medicine, education, law, politics, science, technology, the arts, and the humanities; and
Whereas, Despite their unique contributions to our State and the nation, their journey for acceptance, equality, and access to the American dream has often been frustrated by prejudice, discrimination, and restrictive immigration policies as well as unforeseen economic and language barriers; and
Whereas, Each generation of Korean Americans has confronted these challenges and overcome the obstacles they face with persistence and perseverance, turning inequality into prosperity and transforming discouragement into achievement; and
Whereas, Through the sacrifices and the accomplishments of previous generations, contemporary Korean Americans continue to make vital contributions to the development of the State by infusing our communities, academic institutions, civic organizations, and businesses with energy, passion, and innovation; and
Whereas, At the beginning of the 21st century, Korean Americans pause not only to reflect on the past, but also to instill future generations of Korean Americans with a sense of pride in their predecessors and a degree of appreciation for their cultural heritage; and
Whereas, In order to assist Korean Americans in fostering an appreciation for their heritage and to provide all citizens and residents of New Jersey with an opportunity to learn about their unique contributions, it is altogether proper and fitting that New Jersey commemorates the first steps of the long and prosperous journey of Korean Americans by observing the anniversary of the S.S. Gaelic's arrival in Honolulu, Hawaii; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. January 13th of each year is designated as "Korean American Day" in the State of New Jersey to observe the anniversary of the S.S. Gaelic's arrival in Honolulu, Hawaii, which began the history of Korean immigration to the United States, and to recognize the contributions Korean Americans have made to this State and our nation.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens and residents of this State to observe this day each year with appropriate events and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates January 13th of each year as "Korean American Day" in the State of New Jersey. The resolution commemorates the anniversary of the S.S. Gaelic's arrival in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 13, 1903, and honors the 102 Korean men, women, and children who ventured across the Pacific Ocean in search of economic opportunities and new beginnings. It aims to increase public awareness about the vital contributions Korean Americans have made to this State, and acknowledges the unique roles they have played in building, enhancing, and defending our nation.
