[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    CELEBRATING THE ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 2021

  Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th 
Anniversary of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma, Washington.
  E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one.
  That motto, the motto of our Nation, reflects a truth embodied by the 
Asia Pacific Cultural Center for the last 25 years--that our region's 
amazing diversity is a blessing. That the people and cultures that have 
come from so many places should be celebrated. And, importantly, that 
the celebration of that diversity can be a force for uniting us.
  Since 1996 the Asia Pacific Cultural Center has served as that 
unifying force in our region--a center of cultural exchange. It has 
provided programs to support, celebrate, and honor the Asian and 
Pacific Islander people. It has given us all an opportunity to 
celebrate art, education, culture, and cuisine--some of the core 
elements of everyday lives that have been challenged over the course of 
the last couple of years. It has brought us together.
  Through it all, over the last quarter of a century, the APCC has not 
only endured--it has thrived. Over the years, so many of us have 
learned so much from APCC programs. Personally, I have participated in 
traditional ceremonies at Samoan Cultural Days and at the Korean 
Chuseok Festival. I got to join with my youngest daughter in making 
dumplings (I was terrible at it, but my kiddo was terrific). I've 
joined the APCC in prayer and healing after tragic moments in our 
country. And I've joined them in great joy and celebration. And I know 
I'm not alone. Indeed, by hosting cultural events and activities, 
sponsoring youth programs, and conducting outstanding outreach, the 
Asia Pacific Cultural Center has become a pillar of our community.
  Through its work, the APCC helps us live up to a vision laid out by 
Gandhi when he said, ``I do not want my house to be walled in on all 
sides and my windows to be stuffed.'' He said, ``I want the culture of 
all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.'' The Asia 
Pacific Cultural Center has brought the cultures of 47 countries into 
our home. The APCC has made our community stronger.
  I would like to recognize and congratulate the organization's 
tremendous leadership, including Executive Director Lua Pritchard, 
President and Founder Patsy Surh O'Connell, the board, and every person 
in our community that has supported their extraordinary work. It 
matters.
  As a representative for our region in our Nation's capital, I want to 
thank the APCC for its partnership and congratulate the organization 
for 25 years of service and dedication to our community. I look forward 
to working with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center for years to come.
  It is an honor to represent them and our region.

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