[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 77 (Thursday, May 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1009-E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2007

  Mr. McDERMIOTT. Mr. Speaker, in many ways the history of America is 
the history of American immigrants, the people who came here from 
somewhere else to make a better life for themselves and their families. 
In so doing, they each have made America stronger as a Nation and 
culturally richer as a people.
  That's why it gives me great pleasure to recognize the month of May 
as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and, in so doing, recognize 
the approximately 80,000 Asian Pacific Americans who live in the 7th 
Congressional District in Washington State, the district I proudly 
represent. We are home to Asian Indian, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, 
Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Vietnamese, Pacific Islanders, 
Samoan, Tongan and representatives of other Asian American cultures as 
well. Their contributions to Seattle, the surrounding communities, and 
to America deserve to be celebrated, not just merely recognized.
  Throughout the year, I am honored to join constituents at 
commemorative events like the International District Street Fair, Bon 
Odori and Tet in Seattle. These and other truly unique cultural 
celebrations enrich our communities and our personal lives. For 
instance, every chance I get, I now enjoy Sumi-e painting, a Japanese 
art form, where ink is used to depict a subject in the fewest number of 
strokes. When someone of Irish decent like me can assimilate an Asian 
art form, it is a reminder that America's great strength is America's 
great diversity.
  Asian Americans immigrated to the United States in the late 19th 
century, but many faced prejudice, racial injustice and discrimination. 
They responded with quiet, dignified resolve and made America stronger 
by their commitment to equality for all. Trying to mention all the 
significant achievements and role models from the Asian American 
community would fill a very large roomful of books, but I am proud to 
mention some in the 7th Congressional District.
  In Seattle, the United States Courthouse is named for William Kenzo 
Nakamura, a Japanese American who was posthumously awarded the 
Congressional Medal of Honor for his courage in World War II, an honor 
especially poignant because William and his family were forcibly 
relocated to a federal internment camp at the beginning of the war. The 
courthouse is a perfect symbol and memorial to an American who 
sacrificed his life so that others might be free. Elsewhere in Seattle, 
the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Filipino American 
National Historical Society, and Densho: The Japanese American Legacy 
Project, strengthen America by preserving the heritage of Asian 
Americans.
  Today, Seattle is truly a global city, with a culturally diverse 
population that underscores our deep involvement in global issues and 
trade. Over one quarter of the jobs across Washington State are 
directly tied to international trade. In fact, trade is growing and we 
are succeeding because of the relationships we have built with the help 
of the Asian American community.
  It is my hope that recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month reminds us of the role immigrants have played in shaping the 
history of our Nation. Ahead, we must examine the issue of immigration, 
and I believe we can and should be guided by reflecting on the 
contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make.
  As we look ahead, let us honor and remember our past, and remember 
that we are all immigrants and when we pause to honor Asian Pacific 
Americans, we honor all Americans.

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