[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
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

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor May as Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the 120,000 individuals 
of Asian descent that live in my congressional district.
  I am fortunate to represent an ethnically diverse district that has 
experienced first hand the economic and cultural contributions of the 
Asian Pacific American community.
  Although less than 4 percent of the U.S. population is Asian, I am 
proud that 19 percent of my congressional district is of Asian descent.
  Some cities in my congressional district, have a well-established 
Asian Pacific American community.
  Montery Park, for example, is home to a Chinese and Chinese-American 
community.
  Monetery Park is 60 percent Chinese and its City Council is majority 
Asian as well.
  Other cities in my congressional district, like West Covina, have 
experienced an increase in its Asian population in more recent times.
  From 1980 to the present, West Covina's Asian Pacific American 
population has grown from 4 percent to 23 percent.
  In addition to this recent growth, the Japanese community in West 
Covina has long been an important part of the city.
  On June 3, the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, 
located in West Covina, will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary.
  The East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center provides 
important services like:
  Japanese language classes from the kindergarten to the high school 
level;
  Martial art and cultural classes like Japanese classical dance; and
  A year round program for its Japanese American senior and retired 
citizens.
  The East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center has 
significantly contributed to the strength of West Covina and the 
greater San Gabriel Valley.
  Asian Pacific Americans bring richness not only to our culture, but 
also to our economy and to our advancement as a nation.
  Asian Pacific Americans have made vast contributions in the fields of 
medicine, technology, and agriculture that benefit all Americans.
  Throughout times of heightened national security, Asian Pacific 
Americans have fought to protect democracy in every war since the Civil 
War.
  For example, despite the disturbing racism towards Japanese Americans 
during World War II, Japanese Americans volunteered to serve in the 
armed forces as part of the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team.
  The 442nd Regimental Combat Team remains the most decorated unit in 
U.S. military history.
  Not only did these Japanese servicemen show their loyalty to the 
United States, but they also earned more than 18,000 individual 
decorations in less than two years. These noble men deserve our 
recognition.
  In closing, I would like to honor the memory of a truly remarkable 
woman, the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
  In my 2 years working with Patsy, I quickly came to admire her sprit 
and determination.
  Patsy was a true warrior, a champion for the causes of equality, 
civil rights and environmental justice--causes important to the Asian 
Pacific American community and all communities.
  As the first Asian-American woman in Congress, Patsy Mink was a hero 
to many.
  Patsy may not be with us in body any longer, but her spirit continues 
to thrive as we celebrate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

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