[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support the House 
Resolution celebrating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
  As we continue to struggle through one of the deepest economic crises 
in recent history, we must not forget to recognize and appreciate the 
contributions of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities 
of our great country.
  If one looks at the long history of the Asian American experience, 
they will undoubtedly see a collective story of perseverance and 
triumph. They will also see that this story is ongoing, and is defined 
by the tremendous contributions that Asian and Pacific Islander 
Americans continue to make.
  They will see the earliest Asian immigrants, who in spite of being 
completely excluded from American citizenship and its basic 
protections, shouldered the labor to build a railroad system and 
support a growing agricultural sector that changed the face of America.
  They will see the countless Japanese Americans, who despite being 
interned, stripped of their hard-earned wealth and forced to rebuild 
their lives, served their country faithfully and without question.
  They will see the numerous Asian Pacific Islander Americans, who 
despite all that has been endured, now serve as exemplary public 
servants leading our county. From city councilors, to the President of 
the United States, who grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii, the APIA 
community deserves recognition and has much to be proud about.
  Finally, they will see that despite all that has been accomplished, 
despite everything that there is to be proud of, we cannot lose sight 
of the fact that much remains to be done. We must continue to help the 
many Asian Pacific Islander Americans who endure racism, struggle 
against poverty and are fighting for equal access to the fundamental 
institutions of our country.
  America has always been a reflection of its people. As we recognize 
May as Asian American Heritage Month, let us recognize that America 
would not be the grand nation it is today without our friends in the 
Asian Pacific Islander American communities.

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