[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2005

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I introduced House Resolution 
280 to honor the immeasurable contributions of Asian and Pacific 
Islander Americans to our Nation. I want to specifically thank our 
distinguished Majority Leader for scheduling this resolution during 
May, which the Congress has designated as ``Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month'' since 1978. '
  The month of May is important to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans 
because of two key events. The first occurred on May 7, 1843, when the 
first Japanese immigrants to the United States arrived. The second 
important event took place on May 10, 1869, a day known as ``Golden 
Spike Day,'' as the first North American transcontinental railroad was 
completed. The Central Pacific Railroad, which was built heading east 
from Sacramento, California, and the Union Pacific Railroad, built west 
from Omaha, Nebraska, met near the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Ever since, 
the country could be traversed by rail from coast to coast. This 
momentous accomplishment was made possible by thousands of rail 
workers, the majority of whom emigrated from China.
  Like Black History Month in February, Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month was established by an act of Congress. A former member of this 
body, Frank Horton of New York, led Congress to first establish 
``Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week'' through Public Law 95-419 in 
1978. Each year, the Week was to begin May 4 to include the important 
dates of May 7 and May 10. Then, in 1992, Congress expanded the 
commemoration to designate the entire month of May as ``Asian/Pacific 
American Heritage Month.'' I am pleased the House is celebrating this 
significant designation today.
  The Census Bureau revealed last year that 5 percent of the total U.S. 
population is of either Asian, native Hawaiian or other Pacific island 
heritage. As an example of their achievements, half of Asian-Americans 
over age 25 have earned a college degree, the highest proportion of 
college graduates of any ethnic group in the U.S. The corresponding 
rate for all American adults is 27 percent.
  In addition, as the War on Terror continues, it is relevant to 
recognize the more than 300,000 Asian and Pacific Americans who have 
served our Nation in the armed forces. Asian and Pacific American 
service men and women are fighting on foreign soil today, and their 
sacrifices should be deeply respected. Indeed, they have performed with 
incredible valor during our Nation's history.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2005 is being celebrated in 
numerous settings from community festivals to school events across the 
country. This year's theme--Freedom for All--A Nation We Call Our Own--
is very appropriate to the more than 14 million U.S. residents of Asian 
and Pacific island heritage who call America home.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of House Resolution 280.

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