2020 -- H 7561

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LC004501

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING FEBRUARY 12, 2020, AS "KOREA DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Kennedy, Mattiello, Shekarchi, Edwards, and Filippi

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2020

     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. Our state's identity and strength is reflected in the traditions and

observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations; and

     WHEREAS, Korea gained its independence from Japanese colonial rule on August 15,

1945, and the Republic of Korea was established three years later. In 1979, the Consulate

General of the Republic of Korea in Boston was established. Under the tenure of Kim Yonghyon,

the Consul General, understanding and cooperation between Korea and Rhode Island has

developed and strengthened; and

     WHEREAS, Economically, South Korea is an important trade partner for Rhode Island

with exports of $63,402,841, making it one of the top ten exporters in the state; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, The Korean American Association of Rhode Island (KAARI)

was 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 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 and

Providence Plantations hereby celebrates February 12, 2020, 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 Yonghyon, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Boston.

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LC004501

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