[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17443]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
acknowledge this month as Filipino American History Month. With passage 
of House Resolution 780 last year, the House of Representatives 
officially recognizes October as Filipino American History Month and I 
am proud to note its observance again this year.
  Filipino Americans have a longstanding history in the United States. 
In 1988, the Filipino American National Historical Society established 
this celebration to mark October 18, 1587, as the date when Filipinos 
first immigrated to the continental United States in Morro Bay, 
California.
  Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American ethnic group 
in the United States and continue to play a prominent role in our 
country in all facets of public life. One of the largest Filipino 
American communities in the U.S. resides in my district and I am 
committed to such a vibrant community. Filipino Americans have long 
served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and as chairman of the House Veterans' 
Affairs Committee I continue to honor the military service of Filipino 
American World War II veterans.
  The United States is a nation of immigrants and we celebrate the 
accomplishments of Americans of all backgrounds. From the military to 
health care, education, arts, business, sports, government, the 
sciences and countless other areas of endeavor, Filipino Americans have 
made and continue to make invaluable contributions to the United 
States.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important 
celebration of Filipino American History Month.

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