[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE FOR TAIWANESE-AMERICAN HERITAGE WEEK

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2001

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, each May, our nation pauses to recognize 
the enormous contributions that Pacific Islanders and Americans of 
Asian descent have made to our country. One week of this month long 
celebration, the week following Mother's Day, is designated as 
Taiwanese-American Heritage Week. This observance offers us the 
opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the Taiwanese-American 
population throughout the United States, and celebrate its rich and 
unique cultural heritage.
  There are currently over 10 million Americans of Asian descent in the 
United States, 500,000 of whom are Taiwanese Americans. In Wisconsin, 
our Asian-American population has grown statewide to nearly 89,000, 
with over 25,000 located in Milwaukee County alone.
  The Taiwanese-American community in the United States places strong 
emphasis on the importance of education. Over 40% of its population 
consists of college graduates, many with advanced degrees. Americans of 
Taiwanese descent have made significant contributions in all walks of 
life, including the arts, sciences, and the humanities. In fact, the 
1986 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Dr. Lee Yuan-tse, is a 
Taiwanese American.
  The Taiwanese-American community in Milwaukee has also made important 
contributions to the quality of life in our community. This week, 
Milwaukee-area residents are being given the opportunity to learn more 
about the Taiwanese American people, its food, culture and history at 
the Taiwanese-American Heritage Week festival sponsored by the 
Taiwanese-American Associations of Milwaukee & Madison, the Taiwanese 
Student Association of UW-Madison and the Formosan Association for 
Public Affairs-Wisconsin. I congratulate these organizations for their 
efforts to share their rich cultural heritage with our community, and 
extend my best wishes for a rewarding and successful day of 
festivities.
  And, as we join in celebrating the traditions and culture of the 
Taiwanese-American community, let us also remember to cherish the 
diversity that is America, and the spirit of community that binds us 
together as a nation.

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