Honoring the celebration of the 112th Anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S.A., Korean-American Day was commemorated at the Georgia Capitol last Monday for the first time.
 By Anna Kim
Staff Writer

The United States Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed resolutions honoring the goals and aspirations of Korean-American Day in 2005. 
On January 13th, 2015, Senator David Shafer(R-Duluth) presented Senate Resolution 10(SR 10) in the Georgia State Senate chamber, honoring the celebration of Korean-American Day.
With this resolution, Georgia has joined a number of other states and municipalities recognizing January 13th as Korean-American Day.
“Like the immigrants of all nationalities who came before them, Korean Americans have contributed significantly to our great nation,” said Sen. Shafer in a press release. “I am honored to recognize the positive impact of the Korean-American community in the State of Georgia.”
Nathan Deal, governor of Georgia, the state legislature of 180 representatives, and the Korean community leaders were gathered at the Georgia Capitol last Monday in order to officially and publicly commemorate Korean-American Day for the first time.
“Today, we celebrate the indelible mark the first Korean American pioneers in Hawaii left in the U.S.A. For the past 112 years, Korean Americans have been vital to the fabric of this country,” said Nathan Deal in congratulatory remarks. “I am proud to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of Korean Americans to our great state as well. Their vibrant culture, hard work, and strong values have enriched our communities. Without a doubt, our state is becoming more prosperous because of their contribution.”
The celebration was kicked off with the commemorative photo taken in front of the staircase of the Capitol at 9 30a.m. and continued until 2p.m. 
The event culminated when Seong-jin Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, made a short speech at the House chamber after being introduced by Representative Mike Glanton (D-Jonesboro), who sponsored the invitation resolution for the Korean-American Day proclamation. Mr. Kim spoke about the importance of the Korean-American community contributing to the great State of Georgia with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant economy.
"On behalf of the Korean government and the 100 thousand Korean-Americans in Georgia, I'd like to thank the Georgia Senate and the House of Representatives for recognizing and honoring January 13 as Korean-American Day, said Seong-jin Kim. "I am truly honored and pleased to celebrate with you Korean-American Day. I can assure you that 100 thousand Korean-Americans and 60 Korean companies in Georgia will continue to contribute to enriching the cultural diversity and economy of Georgia."
At the banquet in the afternoon of the same day, Korean food, Korean traditional dance performances, and Korean-inspired gifts were provided for the participants.
Meanwhile, the first Korean immigrants to the United States arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13th, 1903, on the SS Gaelic. Today, a plethora of Korean Americans live throughout the U.S.A., representing one of the largest Asian-American populations. For the past century, Korean immigrants and their descendants have contributed to building America’s prosperity from serving in the military to business and job creation, and their willingness to stand tall in the fight for U.S. immigration reform.
 

 Korean-American Day was officially and publicly commemorated at the Georgia Capitol last Monday for the first time.

 
Seong-jin Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, makes a short speech at the House chamber after being introduced by Representative Mike Glanton, who sponsored the invitation resolution for the Korean-American Day proclamation.