[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE HAWAII FILIPINO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great 
contributions of the Filipino community to Hawaii's diverse and 
multicultural society, as we commemorate the arrival of the first 
Filipinos and the community's subsequent achievements in Hawaii.
  Since the arrival of the first Filipinos to Hawaii in 1906, the rich 
culture and proud heritage of the Filipino people have been and 
continue to be a positive influence upon life in Hawaii. Next year 
marks the 100th anniversary of their arrival in Hawaii. The Centennial 
Celebration will reflect the courage, values, pride and dedication of 
all Filipinos. The Celebration will also raise awareness about the 
important accomplishments of Filipinos for the past 100 years in the 
fields of politics, education, business, labor, industry and medicine. 
It will raise awareness about the challenges and struggles that 
Filipinos have faced to earn their rightful place in society.
  The Centennial Celebration reflects the growing significance of the 
Filipino community, its growing role in the development of public 
policy, and its increasing contributions to policy leadership at every 
level of government--local, state and national.
  Mahuhay and best wishes to the Filipino Centennial Commission and 
everyone in the Filipino community who has joined together to celebrate 
Hawaii's Filipino Centennial. You have the nation's thanks for your 
contribution, and you can count on my continued support.

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