[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E781-E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, May is Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month, and I rise to proudly recognize and honor over 78,000 Asian 
Pacific Americans who live in my 7th Congressional District in 
Washington State. They are the largest minority group in my district, 
embracing over 13 percent of the population. They are Japanese, Asian 
Indian, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong, 
Vietnamese, Pacific Islanders, as well as other Asian American 
cultures. Their contributions have helped to make Seattle a richly 
textured weave of cultures and people. We all benefit as a result.
  Beginning in the late 19th century, Asian Americans immigrated to the 
United States to work hard and make a better life for themselves and 
their families. Many faced prejudice, racial injustice, and 
discrimination, but these new immigrants believed in America, and they 
made our Nation stronger by fighting for American values like equality. 
As our Nation again debates the importance and role of immigration in 
the early 21st Century, we should consider the contributions that 
Asian-Americans have made, and continue to make, to our Nation, 
becoming leaders in public and social service, business and industry.
  In Seattle, I am proud to have introduced the legislation that 
renamed a United States Courthouse as the William Kenzo Nakamura United 
States Courthouse in honor of a Japanese American who was posthumously 
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courage under fire in 
World War II. Mr. Nakamura made the ultimate sacrifice in service to 
the country he loved, an honor made more poignant by the fact that 
William and his family were forcibly relocated to a federal internment 
camp at the beginning of the war.
  Today, we proudly celebrate Asian Pacific American culture and 
heritage, from the Vietnamese Tet in Seattle Lunar New Year celebration 
to other local cultural festivals. We also honor Asian Pacific 
Americans by preserving the ethnic heritage of our citizens. Places 
like the Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the 
Filipino American National Historical Society, and Densho: The Japanese 
American Legacy Project keep us in touch with the roots of our 
neighbors.
  Our pride in and recognition of many Asian American role models has 
earned Washington State a global awareness. Just last month Chinese 
President Hu Jintao chose Seattle for his inaugural visit to the United 
States as head of state, touring a Boeing plant and Microsoft 
headquarters and noting the ``good cooperative relations'' between 
China and Washington

[[Page E782]]

State. One out of every four jobs in Washington State is directly tied 
to international trade, and we have a strong and growing trading 
relationship with the Asia Pacific region. This relationship has been 
established, expanded, and nurtured largely through cultural awareness 
first developed in the region by Asian-American immigrants. We all 
benefit from the contributions Asian Pacific Americans make to our 
community and country.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of the 
American spirit. We are a nation of immigrants, and by honoring Asian 
Pacific Americans, we honor all cultures.

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