[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 24, 2002

  Mr. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to stand 
before my colleagues and celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage 
Month. Asian and Pacific Americans have been a part of this country for 
over 200 years, with one of the first Asian American communities, the 
Filipino community, being established in the Louisiana Bayou in 1763. 
Asian and Pacific Americans have quickly established themselves as a 
strong and thriving community in this country, positively contributing 
to its industrial, educational and social successes. I am also proud to 
see the growing number of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans involved 
in the American political system at the local, state and national 
levels.
  As this community continues to grow, it is important for all of us to 
continue to learn from each other. In the 9th Congressional District, I 
am very fortunate to represent a vibrant, productive, and diverse 
Asian-Pacific American community that totals over 70,000 people. The 
community is diverse, ranging from Chinese to Indian to Korean to 
Filipino to Samoan. Each subset of the Asian-Pacific American community 
has brought a rich culture and strong work ethic to my district. From 
restaurants to service stations to software companies, the Asian-
Pacific American community has provided the services needed to keep the 
9th Congressional district an enjoyable, safe and culturally rich place 
to live.
  We recognize and cherish the contributions of the Asian-Pacific 
American community to our country. The Asian-Pacific American community 
has come so far in such a short period of time, and I am confident that 
it will only continue to grow and thrive while maintaining its many 
cultures and values.

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