[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the most diverse 
Congressional District in Washington State--more than 100,000 Asian 
Americans and Pacific Islanders live in the 7th Congressional District. 
Fourteen percent of my constituents are of Asian American and Pacific 
Islander descent. Their contributions throughout Washington State and 
across our country have been integral to our Nation's success.
  During this commemorative month, we also should remind ourselves of 
past treatment of these groups, which has been marred by discrimination 
and bigotry. This year marks the 70th year since the signing of 
Executive Order 9066, which authorized the Japanese American internment 
during World War II, and the 130th year since the passage of the 
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
  Only by learning and remembering our history can we hope to avoid 
repeating its difficult lessons. I applaud the efforts of organizations 
dedicated to telling the history of Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders. Seattle's Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Seattle Asian Art 
Museum, the Filipino American National Historical Society, and the 
Japanese American Legacy Project are among those committed to 
preserving and narrating the stories of the Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders who helped to shape our common history.
  I have been privileged to introduce numerous measures to honor the 
legacies of Asian Americans in my district including legislation to 
designate a federal courthouse in Seattle, the William Kenzo Nakamura 
United States Courthouse. Mr. Nakamura, a member of the storied 442nd 
Regimental Combat Team, posthumously received the Medal of Honor in 
recognition of his extraordinary bravery during World War II.
  Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders long have made and continue to 
make very meaningful contributions to our country and to our society. 
This month, we honor them.

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