| 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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