Elected officials and Korean pastors and community leaders came together for a prayer reception at the state capital on January 11, soon before the state legislature voted on a resolution to recognize January 13 as "Korean American Day."
In particular, pastors of the Council of Korean Churches in Orange County were present, along with Assemblywoman Young Kim (R-Fullerton), Assemblyman Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), and 14 other members of the State Assembly and Senate. Kim had also invited Korean pastors to the state capital in the beginning of last year, soon after she had become elected into her office, to pray together along with other colleagues in California's legislature.
Kim and Wilk introduced the resolution (ACR110) to recognize January 13, 2016 as Korean American Day to the state legislature on January 4. And on January 11, soon after the prayer reception in the morning, the resolution was passed unanimously. The resolution was co-authored by 76 members of the Assembly.
"As a Korean American, I am proud of our heritage and the strong values of family, faith, and hard work that have been handed to us by previous generations," said Kim.
"I'm also humbled to represent such a diverse district that includes a vibrant Korean American community," she added." I'm proud to present a resolution for the second year in a row honoring Korean American Day and recognizing the contributions of the community."
Wilk added that he is "honored to present a resolution recognizing Korean American Day," and that "it's important we highlight and celebrate the significant role Korean Americans play in our everyday lives."
This year marks the 113th year since Koreans first immigrated to the U.S. The first group of immigrants arrived on January 13, 1903 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
