| R 310 |
| 2024 -- H 8292 Enacted 05/21/2024 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| CELEBRATING MAY 21, 2024, AS "KOREA DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Representatives Kennedy, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Edwards, Ackerman, Azzinaro, Tanzi, and McNamara |
| Date Introduced: May 21, 2024 |
| WHEREAS, The cornerstone of Rhode Island's founding principles is acceptance and |
| equality for the numerous beliefs and various cultures that make our State and this Country so |
| great, and thus proud to be the home of numerous ethnic communities; and |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island's Korean American community imparts a rich history and |
| vitality through their presence. Our State's identity and strength is reflected in the traditions and |
| observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations; and |
| WHEREAS, Korea emerged from the ashes of the Korean War in 1950 to become a |
| nation that has achieved and succeeded as a leader in democracy and economic development in |
| Asia; and |
| WHEREAS, In addition, South Korea has risen as a cultural and inspiring powerhouse |
| globally with the widespread diffusion of Hallyu and the emergence of KPOP music, tourism and |
| worldwide love of Korean cuisine as part of the Korean Wave; and |
| WHEREAS, The sacrifices and dedication of Korean War veterans from the State of |
| Rhode Island contributed to the establishment of the enduring Republic of Korea-United States |
| (ROK-US) alliance in 1953, rooted in common values of freedom and democracy and evolving |
| into a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance; and |
| WHEREAS, Under the tenure of Kim Jae-hui, the Consul General of the Republic of |
| Korea in Boston, there has been a greater mutual understanding, outreach, and cooperation |
| between Korea and Rhode Island that has matured and been strengthened in the Ocean State; and |
| WHEREAS, Economically, South Korea is an important trade partner for Rhode Island |
| with exports of $41 million (USO), making it one of the top fifteen exporters for the State; and |
| WHEREAS, In addition, the Korean American Association of Rhode Island (KAARI) |
| was founded in 1975, with the desire to celebrate and share Korean culture with Rhode Island. |
| The organization is dedicated to promoting friendship, welfare, and education among its |
| members, and contributes to beneficial cultural exchanges and international goodwill between |
| Koreans and Americans in our State; and |
| WHEREAS, The Korean community in Rhode Island is an essential element in our |
| State's journey towards understanding, mutual respect, and common purpose for all people, and is |
| a vital component in our State's economic health; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby |
| celebrates May 21, 2024, as "Korea Day" in the State of Rhode Island. We furthermore extend |
| our deepest respect and appreciation to the Rhode Island Korean community for all that it has |
| contributed to the rich diversity of our State and New England as a whole; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Korean American Association of Rhode |
| Island and to Kim Jae-hui, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Boston. |
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| LC005990 |
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