[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH MAY 21, 1996

                                 ______


                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 29, 1996

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to observe Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month and to recognize the many contributions 
Americans of Asian and Pacific ancestry have made to our Nation.
  May was selected as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because 
several significant events took place in May that impacted the Asian 
Pacific community, events such as: the first Japanese immigrants 
arrival to the United States--May 27, 1869; the Central Pacific 
Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad were joined at Promontory, UT, 
of which 90 percent of the track from Sacramento to Promontory was laid 
by Chinese workers--May 10, 1869; passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, 
the first U.S. immigration law to discriminate on the basis of race--
May 8, 1882; and the Alien Land Law was signed in California 
prohibiting Asians from buying land--May 19, 1913.
  America has been enriched by the many contributions and achievements 
of the Asian Pacific community. We have all benefited from their 
struggles, their labor, and their achievement. From the railroads and 
bridges that were built to the works of art, music, and literature, 
Asian Pacific American contributions to the United States have been 
innumerable. For example, the most visited monument in Washington DC, 
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, was designed by a Chinese-American, Maya 
Lin; the youngest person to win the French Tennis Open is Michael 
Chang; and the inventor of Playdoh is a Chinese-American.
  In addition, Asian and Pacific Island Americans have fought and died 
in defense of our country. The most highly decorated infantry troop in 
or country during World War II was the 442d Infantry Battalion, a troop 
comprised entirely of Japanese-Americans.
  Asian Pacific Americans' accomplishments not only symbolize our rich 
and diverse heritage, but also highlights shared ideals and unity in a 
common quest for freedom and dignity.
  In the midst of extensive discrimination, both social and 
legislative, APA's have managed not only to survive, but to build 
communities and to carry on their rich heritage. Asian Pacific 
Americans have enriched our country's unique diversity and strengthened 
us as a Nation.

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