By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

CONGRESSWOMAN Madeleine Z. Bordallo, in a statement read in the U.S. House of Representatives, praised Guam’s Korean-American community and lauded them for their many cultural and socio-civic contributions to Guam.
The statement was made on Jan. 13 to mark the 104th anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.
According to Bordallo, Jan. 13 also marks the fourth annual celebration of Korean-American Day, as designated and recognized by the Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean Americans.
She said Korean-Americans have thrived in the United States since their arrival in 1903 and that the contributions of Korean-Americans to U.S. society are found in nearly every community across the country, spanning the fields of arts and entertainment, economics, medicine, science and religion.
“Many Korean immigrants have established successful new businesses, have risen to assume important leadership roles in advocating for their community, and have developed pioneering, lifesaving medical procedures,” the congresswoman added.
On Guam, Bordallo pointed out that many Korean-Americans have made the island their home over the past three decades, making them an integral part of the island family.
“We celebrate the richness of their culture, their traditions, their achievements, and their contributions to our community. As we observe this important celebration, I also want to recognize the Korean Association of Guam, which serves as an important support group for new immigrants from Korea. Through the efforts of the association, the professional and civic interests of the Korean-American community on Guam are preserved and advanced,” Bordallo said.
Over 4,000 Korean-Americans are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, many of whom are currently deployed abroad.
“Whether they are serving as leaders in their communities or fighting alongside their fellow Americans in defense of our country, Korean-Americans have demonstrated their significant presence in and contributions to the United States,” Bordallo concluded.