By Nisqually Valley News staff
City of Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto took some time at the start of the Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to recognize “Korean-American Day” in the city through the form of a mayoral proclamation.
DePinto, of Korean descent himself, first spoke on the historical element weighing on “Korean-American Day” — including when the first wave of Korean immigration arrived in the United States over 100-years ago.
“On Jan. 13, 1903, 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii as laborers for a sugar plantation — initiating the first large wave of Korean immigration into America,” DePinto said. “The second wave of Korean immigrants took place from 1960 to 1964 and consisted of many Korean wives of American soldiers, orphans, students and businessmen.”
The mayor added that Korean-Americans of all generations have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of America, all 50 states and the City of Yelm.
“In 2003, President George W. Bush issued the centennial Korean immigration in the United States proclamation — which commemorated the centennial anniversary of Korean immigration in the United States and recognized the invaluable contributions of Korean-Americans to our nation’s rich cultural diversity, economic strength and proud heritage,” DePinto said.
Additionally, DePinto said, in 2007, former Washington state Governor, Christine Gregoire, followed President Bush and signed into law SB 5166 to officially designate Jan. 13 as “Korean-American Day” in Washington state.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Joe DePinto, Mayor of the City of Yelm, proclaim January 13, 2026, as Korean-American Day to honor and celebrate the many contributions made by Korean-Americans throughout our vibrant community,” DePinto said. “I encourage other businesses, organizations, public institutions and community members to recognize Korean-American Day and to take time to learn about Korean-American history.”
