Whereas, We celebrate the lives, history and accomplishments of Korean Americans in the state of Michigan and acknowledge the many ways in which they have helped to build and enhance the American culture; and,

Whereas, We honor the first Korean immigrants who arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903, many of whom later settled along the Pacific Coast as farm workers or wage laborers in mining companies or section hands on the railroads; and,

Whereas, The Korean-American community has blossomed to a population of nearly two million in the United States, and the state of Michigan is fortunate to be the home of a large concentration of citizens who are of Korean descent; and,

Whereas, Michigan's cultural fabric has been enriched by the many contributions of Korean Americans in numerous communities throughout our state;

Now, Therefore be it, Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 13, 2009, as Korean American Day in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to recognize the many contributions made by Korean Americans and embrace their unique culture.