| R 120 |
| 2020 -- H 7561 Enacted 02/12/2020 |
| 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 |
| 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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