The 7th Washington State Korean American Day Celebration
January 13, Monday, 2014
9:30 AM: The Korean War Veterans Memorial Service in Olympia

5:30 to 8:00 PM: Ceremony / Performance
Shoreline Community College
at HUD #900 Bldg 16101 Greenwood Ave N. Shoreline

Sponsored by Seattle ROK Consulate, Korean American Day Celebration foundation, Korean American Nonprofit organizations, Overseas Koreans Foundation, Korean Religion Church Ministers Association , Korean businesses and Community organizations. King County, WA, Asiana Air and Korean Air.

Special guests attended at Olympia Korean War Memorial Service, Office of Governor Jay Inslee, Schuyler Hoss, Senator Paull Shin, ROK Consul Lee Jong Jae, Councilmember : SeaTac,  Kathy Campbel, Representative Linda Kochmar, City of Lacy, Mayor, The Federation of Korean Association in USA, President, Lee Jong Soon, The Federation of Korean Association in USA, Chief of Staff, Kim Kil Yong, Virgil Clarkson, Michele L. Johnson PhD, Chancellor, Pierce College District.

At 9:30 AM, January 13th, 2014 in Olympia, Washington at East Campus on 14th Avenue SE with leading by MC. Yoni Yi, Korean War Memorial Service Started with speaking by Office of Governor Jay Inslee, Schuyler Hoss said that he Often comes and pause at the One of the most hallowed place at State capitol, it’s the Korean War memorial places and very special place. Expressed that Paull Shin is legend for on campus and great honor here to have him.

Office of Governor Jay Inslee, Schuyler Hoss said that Governor Jay Inslee thinks highly of Paull Shin who has been one of the most trusted advisor and special friend and involving so many important things that interest for advance the state and Korean Community and entire state of Washington state and requested to give round of applause for Senator Paull Shin and delivered Governor Jay Inslee greetings from him for the 7th Korean American Day Celebration which described the importance of the celebration for the Korean American Day Celebration, Senate Bill 5166 which established Korean American Day as a non-legal holidays and sponsored by Senator Paull Shin and passed by the legislature in 2007.

Senator Paull Shin addressed that on behalf of Korean American day Celebration of Washington State, appreciates for the celebrating the day and memorial services for the Korean War Veterans, including, Americans those of who volunteered troops to defend freedom for Korea, meanwhile, many years a young boy full of dreams had looked out from American cargo ship with excitement and anticipation, prepared to overcome obstacles. Senator Paull Shin took his name last name Paull and he is proud to be in America and he was proud to serve for 18 years for the legislature in Olympia. He also addressed Retired Major General Park Nam Pyo who was three star general and have dedicated making fund raising for building this memorial service place in 1993 which is resulted as a great Korean War memorial service place in Olympia and was proud of him.

Senator Paull Shin stressed that freedom is not free and freedom is important part of life. He appreciated for coming even when its rainy, cold and joining special day like this great celebration day.

Korean War Meritorious veterans league, president Yang JaeHak expressed that He thanks to our God and thanks to the people who came to this event , of course cannot forget 6.25 Korean War in 1950, 6.25. He reminded that North Korea attacked early morning, North Korea with Russia’s aid also Red China’s aid North Korea’s attack to South Korea which Cross-border skirmishes and raids at the 38th parallel persisted. The situation escalated into open warfare when North Korean forces invaded South Korea on 25 June 1950. The United States and other countries passed a Security Council resolution authorizing military intervention in Korea. He emphasized that Korean War was continuing more than 3 years days about many people’s death and damages of all of building were destroyed in South Korea.

Korean War Meritorious veterans league, president Yang JaeHak emphasized that South Korea should be strongly prepared arms to secure the homeland security which we have learned lesson throughout this terrible Korean War experience, in 6.25 1950 and said that we do not need another Korean War.

Soon after the war began, General MacArthur had begun planning a landing at Incheon, but the Pentagon opposed him. When authorized, he activated a combined U.S. Army and Marine Corps, and ROK Army force. The X Corps, led by General Edward Almond, Commander, consisted of 40,000 men of the 1st Marine Division, the 7th Infantry Division and around 8,600 ROK Army soldiers. By the 15 September attack date, the amphibious assault force faced few KPA defenders at Incheon: military intelligence, psychological warfare, guerrilla reconnaissance, and protracted bombardment facilitated a relatively light battle. However, the bombardment destroyed most of the city of Incheon.

After Memorial service all the Veterans and some Community Leaders and Korean Women Association Board members joined Main Buffett restaurant for lunch together.

Part 2: January 13, at 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Ceremony Performance started at Shoreline Community College, HUD #9000 BLD. 16101 Greenwood Avenue N. Shorine, WA. Dinner was provided Bibimbap to all of attendees, around 350 people.

Korean Traditional Vegetable Bibimbap with Hot Beanpast Sauce

Anticipating the 7th Korean American Day Celebration Program with Samulnori

Shoreline 5:30 to 8:00 PM Ceremony/Performance , there are many community leaders and business leaders attended including, special Guest attended,  Lt. Governor Brad Owen, Senator Paull Shin, Consul General, Song Yong Wan, Consul Lee Jong Jae, Vice and Consul Kwon Da-un, The Federation of Korean Association in USA, President, Lee Jong Soon, The Federation of Korean Association in USA, Chief of Staff, Kim Kil Yong, Dave Kaplan, Mayor of Des Moines, WA, Jean Burbadge,  City of Federal Way Deputy Mayor, Andy Hwang, City of Federal Way Deputy Chief Police, Deputy District Director for Congressman Rick Larsen, Adam LeMieux, Community Liaison for Congressman Adam Smith, Linh Thai, Community Liaison for Business, Trade & the Environment for Congressman Jim McDermott, Pete Mills, Constituent Services and Outreach Representative, Immigration and Foreign Affairs U.S. for Senator Patty Murray, Ryan A. Mace, Auburn City OED, Doug Lein, Economic Development, Ralph Ibarra, President of Auburn WA Sister Cities Association, Wing Luke Museum President Michelle and all of Korean American community leaders, Dr. Stephen Y. Jun, Th.D., President  of Torah Theological Seminary, Dr. Sylvia M. Jun, Th.D., Dean of Hebraic Roots Yeshiva, Joshua Y. Jun, M.Th. and Senior Financial Adviser of Bankers Life Casualties.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen as a Keynote speaker, he appreciated for inviting to the 7th anniversary of Korean American Day Celebration Foundation for organizing this fabulous evening of dinner and celebration.

He shared his story that he spent in South Korea in mid December, 2013 as the guest of Consul General Song Young-Wan and the Korean Consulate of Seattle. Also stated that the Korean Food Festival in November in Seattle, which is a celebration of fine Korean cuisine. He enjoyed Korean food very much which delights to be there for some of the best cooking around.

Lt Governor mentioned about his adopted two sons, Adam and Mark from Korea and he is proud of both whom have progressed through life, established careers, got married and perhaps most importantly - have brought both himself and his wife Linda, now they have many grandchildren to enjoy whom they love them all dearly.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen also paid special tribute to his dear friend Senator Paull Shin who is longtime colleague in the state Senate.

Senator Shin has represented his district very well and has been one of the Senate’s go-to people on economic development and trade issues. He and Lt. Governor has worked closely together in those and many other areas. We could always count on Senator Shin as a stand-in to give the opening prayer on a moment’s notice, and I know that it is his strong faith that has served him so well in the past will carry him through in the future.

We always appreciate him for his outstanding service and great friendship what we both have. Lt. Governor emphasized that purpose of the Korean American Day Celebration. Its purpose is two-fold. One is to honor Korean War Veterans at a memorial service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the Capitol campus in Olympia, which was held just this morning. He stated that we remember that just a few decades ago we were engaged in a terrible fight for democracy with our allies in South Korea, a fight that cost many American and Korean lives. Today we remember the sacrifices for democracy that were made back then, and also note that the South Korea stands as a testament to democracy to this day that their extraordinary efforts were not in vain.

The other reason behind Korean American Day of course is tonight’s festivities, where we celebrate all of the many contributions and spirit of the 130,000 people of Korean descent who live in the great state of Washington. We are the great state of Washington in no small part to our diversity because we are a richer place for it. Former Governor Gregoire signed the Korean- American Day bill signed in April 9th, 2007. Of course Senator Shin was the prime sponsor on that legislation, which passed just two years after January 13th was designated as Korean American Day in the United States. In fact Washington was the first of what are now many states to make Korean American Day a non-legal holiday. The day is important because it honors the hard work and productivity of Korean American business people, of whom there are many in our state. It recognizes that Korean Americans have made great educational, economic and cultural contributions to this state and to this country. It signals to the younger generation of Korean Americans, like my sons and grandchildren, that people of Korean descent are a welcome and important part of the fabric of people who count themselves as Americans.

The Korean immigrants whom I know, like Senator Shin, may honor and pay respect their Korean heritage, but put their America home first. Korea, being one of the closer and more open ports of Asia, is a significant and important Pacific Rim trading partner of Washington.

He also addressed about Washington has enjoyed a sister-state relationship with the Jeollabuk-do Province in the Republic of Korea. Beyond the sister state relationship, there are 10 Washington cities that have sister city or friendship city relationships with counterparts in Korea, including the City of Shoreline, which has a sister city relationship with Boryeong, also known as Daecheon. in the South Chungcheong Province of Korea.

Lt. Governor, Brad Owen addressed proudly that Korean influence is strong in Washington State and strong in America including many of us drive Korean cars, eat regularly at Korean restaurants and are virtually inseparable from our smart phones made by Samsung and other Korean manufacturers. Goods and services originating from Korea are becoming as main stream as the Korean-American owned businesses have been for many decades now.

Lt Governor Brad Owen took the special time to celebration the 7th Korean American Day Celebration and doing the best as a Keynote speaker even if in the mist of his mother illness and died. He appreciated to Seattle ROK Consulate and Consul General, Song Yong Wan for the compassion of supporting hosts and was able to return to America so that he is able to see his mother as she died, with all of this support and he is sincerely stated that is to keep forever grateful.

Consul General Song Yong Wan appreciated to the community leaders and committees united and making this event possible to celebrating together and delivered Special Congratulatory message from ROK President Park Geun Hye for the 7th Korean American Day Celebration which is described that best wishes for a year full of hope and the energy of galloping horse as the year of the blue horse 2014.

As we can see that has been grew bigger community marking over 2 million people which started from 102 people Korean immigration in United States which the Korean American highlighting as key priorities with improving the economy preserving and reform the Communities in United States America including the 2nd and 3rd generations.

As she remembers that her visit in United State last year which she has learned and is proud that the Korean Communities has been the great example role model to the societies and communities and all. It is a great deal that making possible to celebrating Korean American Days which considered by the congress and passed the bill. It is important for Korea US businesses to set priorities for long term growth and success which will be the important benefit for both countries as working together.

ROK President Park is sending best wishes for the communities and people in U.S for year 2014 New Year and continuing prosperous as working together for greater communities.

Senator Paull Shin again appreciated to the people who have devoted for the freedom and standing for the liberty land also appreciated to the committees who have made for this event possible as celebrating together for the 7th Korean American Day Celebration and emphasized that the land of America made possible dream come true on this land since the Korean immigrants came in Hawaii many years ago.

Deputy Mayor of Seattle, Hyeok Kim delivered Congratulatory for the 7th Korean American Day Celebration message from Mayor, Ed Murry of Seattle and also delivered that he appreciates all the hard work and dedication of Senator Paull Shin’s selfless support for the communities and his legacy of great work will carry on with highly respect in our history.

Meanwhile, MC, Thomas Lee recognized Council member Pete von Reichbauer and delivered his message that the special relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea in general, and the state of Washington in particular, and let them know that King County and he is committed to strengthening our cultural and economic ties in the future. King County donated $500. MC expressed that we all appreciate very much for supporting for our cultural celebration for the 7th Korean American Day Celebration.

Korean American Day Celebration Foundation President, Yong Wan, Seo and, Board Chair, Susan Lee, and Committee Chair, Joanna Chong, and The Federation of Korean Association in NW, President, Kim Joon Bae appreciated to all committees and members and participants who came to celebrate together for the 7th Korean American Days and they all emphasized that importance of appreciation to our Korean War Veterans who fought for our freedom and peace earned liberty and celebrating the Korean American Day Celebration of Washington State and it is fortunate that the Washington State is recognizes and supporting the our cultures and communities.

The Federation of Korean American Association U.S.A, President Lee, Chong Soon delivered congratulatory and proud of the Washington State that made huge differences to Korean American Communities and all.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen, Senator Paull Shin and The Federation of Korean Association NW President, Kim Jun Bae, Korean Association of Grocery President, Koh Kyong Ho, Korean American Day Celebration Foundation, President, Seo, Yong Wan, Board Chair, Susan Lee, and Committee Chair, Joan Chong have received appreciation awards for their dedication and appreciation.  

The event continued with theme of Arirang Arirang Arariyo and performances performed by the local people including the string orchestras and serving dinner with Korean traditional of Bibimbap with hot bean past sauce. Everyone received Korean rice cake which shows a little gift to who attended this celebration of the 7th Korean American Day Celebration.

Many have appreciated that the celebration was a great addition and especially with a great keynote speaker Brad Owen great story of Korea trip and relationship also sharing his great experience with Senator Paull Shin who has just announced resigning due to his illness and respect even in the mist of sorrows and hardship from death of Lt. Governor Brad Owen’s Mother back in mid December, 2013. The 7th Korean American Day Celebration, embraced great celebration and unforgettable memories to many of us on January 13, 2014, and there are so many great reasons to thankful.

Photos and creation of this site designed by catch4all.com, Sandra Englund, January 21, 2014