[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MAY AS ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the month of May 2002 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
  In June 1977, Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Y. 
Mineta of California introduced a House resolution that called upon the 
President to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian Pacific 
Heritage Week. That was later followed by a Senate bill introduced the 
following month by Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga. On 
October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution 
designating the annual celebration. In May 1990, the holiday was 
expanded further when President George Bush designated May to be Asian 
Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to 
commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United 
States in May 1843.
  H. Res. 408, introduced by my colleague and the Congressional Asian 
Pacific American Caucus Chair, Representative David Wu, recognizes the 
contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Nation. As an original 
cosponsor of this resolution, I recognize and commend how Asian Pacific 
Americans have contributed to the prosperity and vitality of our 
society. Whether in government, business, education, the military, 
science, technology, or the arts, Asian Pacific Americans bring to our 
society a rich cultural heritage representing many languages, 
ethnicities, and religious traditions.
  Diversity represents one of our country's greatest strengths. I am 
honored to represent the State of Hawaii in Congress. Much of the 
character of my State and district is a result of the great diversity 
Asian Pacific Americans have brought to our country. I hope all 
Americans recognize the contributions these groups have made to our 
national identity and culture.

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