2016 -- H 8263

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LC005964

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING AUGUST 15, 2016, AS "KOREA DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives McEntee, Lombardi, Williams, Shekarchi, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: May 26, 2016

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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 we are 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; and

     WHEREAS, Our state's identity and strength is reflected in the observances celebrated by

its various cultures and populations. Korea gained its independence from Japanese colonial rule

on August 15, 1945, and the Republic of Korea was established three years later. It is an historic

day commemorated with festivals and celebrations; and

     WHEREAS, The Korean American Association of Rhode Island (KAARI) is a domestic

non-profit corporation founded in 1975. 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; and

     WHEREAS, In 1979, former Governor Garrahy declared August 15th to be the first

"Korea Day" in Rhode Island, however, the tradition was not continued; 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; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby celebrates August 15, 2016, 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 a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Korean American Association of Rhode

Island.

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LC005964

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