[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E937-E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, May is the month our nation honors Asian 
Pacific American Heritage. As the Representative of a very ethnically 
diverse community, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize 
those in my Congressional district who come from Asian descent.
  About 11 million Americans come from Asian or Pacific Island descent. 
Many Asian immigrants came to this country as laborers in the 
agriculture and transportation industries. First enduring harsh working 
conditions in the earlier part of the nineteenth century, many Asian 
Pacific Americans have now become successful entrepreneurs, teachers, 
entertainers, and technological professionals. In fact, our U.S. 
Congress has been home to 32 elected Members of Asian ancestry since 
1903.
  I would like to acknowledge the achievements of a specific young 
woman in my district who has made a great contribution to the United 
States Air Force, the City of Baldwin Park, and the Filipino community. 
Lieutenant Venus C. Rivera is the first person from Baldwin Park with 
Filipino American parents to graduate from the United States Air Force 
Academy. This Dean's List honor student will be trained as a jet pilot 
upon her graduation this month. I know she will continue to serve as an 
inspiration to all young Asian Americans in the United States.

[[Page E938]]

  Asian Pacific Americans bring a richness to our culture, adding 
diversity in language, cuisine, religion, and art. I am proud that our 
country takes this month to honor the heritage of this particular 
group. However, the diversity of all races and cultures must be 
something that we remember and respect every day. This will help 
promote racial tolerance so future generations can build a world that 
benefits from the ethnic contributions of all cultures.

                          ____________________