[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 68 (Thursday, May 8, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today, I rise to speak about the 
importance of the Asian-Pacific American experience in my home State of 
Minnesota. During this month, designated Asian-Pacific American 
Heritage Month, we are proud to celebrate the many ways in which the 
culture of our Asian citizens enriches us as Minnesotans and Americans.
  In Minnesota, we celebrate with a myriad of public events throughout 
the State, including a Burmese cultural exhibition, dance workshops, 
musical performances, picnics, banquets, flea markets, and festivals. 
For this year's theme, the Minnesota State Council on Asian-Pacific 
Minnesotans has chosen ``Experience Freedom,'' a thread which runs 
through the stories of so many Asian Americans.
  Each generation of immigrants to this country has pursued a freedom 
not known in their homelands. Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino settlers 
sought out Minnesota in the late 19th century, hoping to find broad 
economic opportunities. This same goal motivated Korean and other Asian 
immigrants who left their countries to find unparalleled opportunities.
  More recently, Asians have come to Minnesota seeking refuge from war. 
Tibetans, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Cambodians escaped from a country 
ravaged by war and unrest. Here, they found freedom, peace, and new 
avenues for fulfillment, and achievement. I am especially proud to say 
that with the recent election of State Representative Cy Thao, 
Minnesota now has two legislators of Hmong descent.
  Thanks to the infusion of Asian-Pacific influences, Minnesota 
virtually vibrates with new ideas, philosophies, and folkways. 
Individually and collectively, Asian-Pacific citizens have made 
significant contributions to their communities, accomplishments which 
the State Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans recognizes by conferring 
four Annual Leadership Awards. I am pleased to join in honoring these 
outstanding individuals and organizations.
  Jasmine Dinh has received the Professional Leadership and Community 
Service Award. Her commitment to public service has led her to cofound 
Asian Women United of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization devoted to 
ending violence against Asian women; to create a battered women's 
shelter in Minneapolis, one of the few focused on Asian American women; 
to serve on the staff of United States Representative Bill Luther; and 
to become deeply involved in the Vietnamese Community of Minnesota 
Organization. Recently, she opened her own business, Jasmine's Coffee 
and Tea House, while still working full time as a senior program 
manager for the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco.
  Jodie Tanaka has been recognized with the Professional Leadership 
Award. The owner, CEO, and president of Tanaka Advertisting, a business 
established by her father, Jodie developed the company into the highly 
successful entity it is today. Among her clients, she counts other 
notable Minnesota companies, including U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Twins, 
Northwest Airlines, and Davanni's. Her hard work and excellence in her 
field have consistently been acknowledged by awards from Minnesota's 
community of business professionals.
  Dragon Festival Planning Committee is this year's Community Service 
Award winner. The committee has built on the original Asian American 
Festival, a lively and popular annual event since 1997. The newly named 
Dragon Festival has grown to include not only a parade but also a 
dragon boat race.
  Kogen Taiko, players of traditional Japanese drums, have received 
this year's award for community service and excellence in the arts. The 
oldest taiko drumming ensemble in Minnesota, Kogen Taiko, preserves 
Japanese drumming techniques while also incorporating multiple American 
rhythms. The result is original Japanese-American music. The group's 
performances have movingly affirmed the sometimes painful Japanese 
experience in America. In addition, they are extensively involved in 
the community, having used proceeds from a benefit concert to help pay 
medical bills for a deceased friend and to establish an education fund 
for his children.
  In addition to these distinguished Leadership Award winners, I would 
like to pay tribute to two other remarkable people.
  Adeel Lari served as president of the Council on Asian-Pacific 
Minnesotans from 1994 to 2002. Thanks to his leadership, the council 
has become a driving force in educating the larger community about 
matters important to Asians in Minnesota. Adeel has also spent the past 
28 years at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. His dedication 
to his community is exemplary.
  Minneapolis Police Officer Duy Ngo has served the department 
honorably for over 5 years and was recently assigned to the Minnesota 
Gang Strike Force, helping to curb gang membership and violence in our 
State. In addition, he is a sergeant in the Army Reserves. Officer Ngo 
is recovering well from injuries received when he was shot while 
working undercover. Like all Minnesotans, I deeply appreciate the 
bravery of officers like Duy Ngo who put their lives on the line every 
day to protect their fellow citizens.
  It is entirely appropriate for us to designate a special time to pay 
tribute to the many contributions of Americans of Asian or Pacific 
ancestry. At the same time, I wish to emphasize the value of the many 
talents, strengths, and unique qualities they consistently bring to us. 
We welcome and cherish their distinctive gifts and customs.

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