Whereas the influence of Korean Americans may be observed in all facets of American life, from politics to industry, entrepreneurship to volunteerism, the arts, and education; Whereas, on January 13, 1903, 102 courageous Korean immigrants arrived in the United States initiating the first large wave of Korean immigration to America; Whereas these pioneer Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and economic obstacles as well as language barriers in America, the land of opportunity; Whereas, in pursuit of the American dream, Korean immigrants initially served as farmworkers, wage laborers, and section hands throughout the United States; Whereas first generation Korean immigrants established a new home in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future generations of Korean Americans; Whereas the centennial year of 2003 marked an important milestone in the history of Korean immigration; Whereas the House passed House Resolution 487 to commemorate Korean American Day in the 109th Congress; Whereas the Senate passed Senate Resolution 283 to commemorate Korean American Day in the 109th Congress; Whereas Korean Americans, like other groups of immigrants that came to the United States before them, seeking a better life and opportunity, have thrived in their new homeland due to a strong work ethic, family bonds, and community spirit; Whereas Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the United States and the global marketplace; Whereas Korean Americans have made history by winning elections throughout the country in local, State, and Federal levels of political office; Whereas Korean Americans have invigorated businesses, not-for-profit and other nongovernmental organizations, government, technology, medicine, athletics, arts and entertainment, journalism, churches, academic communities, and countless facets of American life