R 269
2016 -- H 8263
Enacted 05/26/2016

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

     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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