[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4990-S4991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN CELEBRATION OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the struggles and 
enormous contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Nation's 
history and culture.
  Each May since 1978, we have honored the rich heritage and countless 
achievements of the many Asian Pacific Americans in our country. The 
month of May was aptly chosen in order to commemorate both the arrival 
of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843, and also the completion of 
the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, which was constructed in large 
part by Chinese laborers.
  ``Freedom for All, a Nation We Call Our Own'' is the theme for this 
year's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This 
phrase beautifully encapsulates the great journey of Asian Pacific 
Americans to achieve the American dream and rings especially true 
during these uncertain times at home and abroad.
  The men and women of our Armed Forces, many of whom are from the APA 
community, are proudly serving all over the world to secure our 
homeland. Currently, thousands of young Asian Pacific Americans are 
defending our country, joining the ranks of over 300,000 APA veterans 
who have served in the name of freedom.
  One such veteran is my esteemed colleague, Senator Inouye of Hawaii, 
who began his career in public service during World War II where he 
served in the Army's 442d Regimental Combat Team. The famed ``Go for 
Broke'' regiment of Japanese American soldiers courageously defended 
our country abroad even as their families endured unjust internment at 
home.
  This is just one of the many achievements made by Asian Pacific 
Americans in the face of adversity. Despite discriminatory laws such as 
the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the Alien Law Act of 1920, and the 
forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Asian 
Pacific Americans have forged ahead to become a very successful and 
fast-growing segment of American society.
  Today, over 13 million Asian Pacific Americans reside in the United 
States. Whether through academics, technology, the arts, or business, 
the impact of the APA community is felt in virtually every aspect of 
our society.
  The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that Asian Pacific American 
firms alone account for 2.2 million American jobs and generate over 
$300 billion in revenue. In California alone, Asian Pacific Americans 
own over 12 percent of all businesses, making them a significant force 
in the State's economy.
  Asian Pacific Americans are also gaining an increased presence in 
Federal, State, and local governments. Throughout my career, I have had 
the distinct honor of working with many extraordinary Asian Pacific 
American leaders such as Senators Inouye and Akaka of Hawaii, Secretary 
of Transportation Norman Mineta, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. 
Each of these public servants can function as an inspiration to all 
Americans.

  But even as we celebrate these achievements, we must continue to 
address the struggles and hardships experienced by certain segments of 
the APA community.
  In California, we have large populations of Southeast Asian and 
Pacific Islanders who have recently sought refuge in our country as a 
result of war and civil unrest. As these newcomers to America pursue 
their dreams and goals, we need to remember the challenges they face 
and stay vigilant against discrimination and hate.
  That is why I believe one of the most significant contributions of 
Asian Pacific Americans to our Nation is their role as our neighbors. 
America draws its strength from diversity. The presence of Asian 
Pacific Americans in our communities further adds to the vibrancy of 
the American landscape.
  The strength of diversity is evident in my home State of California, 
where close to one-third of the entire Asian Pacific American 
population lives. One only needs to look at Los Angeles and San 
Francisco to see the rich kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions that 
Asian Pacific Americans have brought to their communities.
  Places such as Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Little Saigon and Koreatown

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are no longer isolated ethnic enclaves. As the APA community has spread 
and grown, these historic neighborhoods have become vibrant centers of 
cultural exchange and learning.
  As a former mayor and native of San Francisco, I can safely say that 
my hometown would not be the wonderfully vibrant, bustling city it is 
without the conditions of the Asian Pacific American community.
  Finally, Asian Pacific Americans played an important role as we built 
our country into what it is today. I am pleased to take this time today 
to honor the accomplishments of these remarkable Americans during this 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

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