CAPAC Members Celebrate Korean American Day
Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to celebrate Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“On January 13, 1903, the first Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu aboard the S.S. Gaelic. 112 years later, we celebrate Korean American Day, honoring the many contributions and accomplishments of the Korean American community nationwide. From small business owners to community leaders to military service members, Korean Americans are invaluable to our society. On this special day, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the Korean Americans in California and across the U.S., and wish them all a Happy Korean American Day.”
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“Today we commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to America with the celebration of Korean American Day. Since Korean immigrants stepped off the S.S. Gaelic in Honolulu in 1903, the Korean American community has grown tremendously, strengthening our nation along the way. Korean Americans energize our local and national economies through entrepreneurship while also forging strong, supportive community ties. They serve with distinction in the various levels of government as well as our armed forces. I would like to extend a warm mahalo to the Korean American community for all their contributions in strengthening the cultural fabric of Hawaii and our nation.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“112 years ago today, 102 women, men, and children traveling from the Korean Peninsula landed in Hawaii. Since their arrival, Korean Americans have contributed immensely to every facet of our society – including the arts, sciences, entertainment, businesses, and public service. I am especially grateful to the Korean Americans in my district – and the 1.7 million across the country – who continue to bridge the divide of Korean and American cultures, histories, and economies; they are the lynchpin in a vibrant and unwavering U.S.-Korea Alliance. Happy Korean American Day!”
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (Guam), CAPAC Vice Chair:
“I join our fellow Americans throughout the country in celebrating Korean American Day. This day commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903, and it recognizes the many contributions Korean Americans have made, and continue to make, to our nation. I especially join the Korean American community in Guam, many of whom are leaders in our community and make Guam a more diverse and vibrant island.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“I am honored to celebrate the 112th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States. I am proud to represent California’s 13th district which has a vibrant and thriving Korean American community. This community’s achievements have and continue to make the East Bay, California and our nation great and contribute to the rich, vibrant and diverse tapestry of our community.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I am proud to join the Korean-American community in New York and across the country in celebrating Korean American Day. Today, we commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants in America, and pay tribute to the outstanding contributions that Korean-Americans have made to our city, state and nation. Americans of Korean descent play a critical role in strengthening every aspect of our society, and I know that Korean-Americans will continue to enrich our communities and further contribute to the prosperity of America. I thank the Korean-American community for all it’s done to make America great, and I am honored to wish all Korean-Americans a very Happy Korean American Day!”
Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):
“Over 100 years ago, in 1903, the first Korean immigrants to America arrived in the First Congressional District of Hawaii. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Korean-American community for their great accomplishments and sacrifices. Korean-Americans have played an integral role in the formation of Hawaii’s modern-day culture and the community as a whole truly embodies the Aloha Spirit.”
Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47):
“I am honored to join with all Americans in celebration of Korean American Day. Today, on the 112th anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the U.S., we recognize the countless civic, economic and cultural contributions Korean Americans have made to our communities. I am proud to represent the vibrant, bustling Korean Business District in Garden Grove, California and the thousands of Korean Americans who call the 47thDistrict of California their home. It is our unique ethnic heritage and cultural diversity that build and strengthen the fabric of our great nation.”
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):
“As we celebrate Korean American Day I am proud to stand with the more than 20,000 Koreans and Korean Americans who live in San Diego. These men and women are business owners, educators, scientists and civic leaders in neighborhoods across my district, and I applaud their many contributions to our community. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to help represent this growing community in Washington, D.C. and look forward to continuing to work with them to better San Diego.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13):
“Since the first Koreans arrived on the shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, on this date in 1903, they have excelled and shown that the American Dream is alive. Whether in military, education, science, business, sports or the arts, Korean Americans proved that with hard work, dedication and zeal for education, they can thrive and help make America even greater. As a Korean War veteran, I have been proud to witness South Korea’s rise from a war-torn nation to becoming the world’s 13th-largest economy, a transformation which has been largely driven by the resilience and industriousness of the Korean people. Here in America, Koreans have inspired us with the same entrepreneurialism and perseverance toward building success and wealth for their communities. The Korean American community has been an integral part of our American fabric, and I am honored to join my Colleagues and Korean American friends in celebrating their many milestones and triumphs. The Korean people will always have a very special place in my heart. I look forward to the continued friendship I cherish so much.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):
“Today, I join Korean Americans across the country in celebrating the tremendous achievements and culture they have shared with the United States. I’m honored to represent thousands of Korean Americans in the 9th District of Washington, and see their contributions to our community as innovators, members of our military, and civic leaders. Thank you to all Korean Americans who help make our country great.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.
