[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16221]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, October is Filipino American History 
month, a month dedicated to honoring the achievements of a people that 
have contributed significantly to American history and culture. 
Filipino Americans have had a long and important presence in the United 
States and have played a substantial role in shaping the current 
American landscape.
  During Filipino American History month, we pay tribute to Filipino 
culture and customs and as we honor Filipino traditions and heritage. 
Filipino Americans continue to contribute to American society and are 
leaders in all aspects of American life, serving as lawyers, doctors, 
artists, writers, elected officials, teachers, and members of the armed 
forces. Filipino Americans reside in nearly every Congressional 
district in the United States, continuing to enrich our culture 
bringing new ideas and innovation to our nation.
  As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am 
proud to represent one of the largest Filipino communities in the 
United States. Relations between the United States and the countries of 
the Pacific Rim are extremely important and this is why only a few 
short months ago, I introduced H. Res. 275, my annual resolution 
honoring the anniversary of the independence of the Philippines. This 
resolution reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which 
exist between the United States and the Philippines as well as a strong 
commitment to strengthening these bonds. In addition, H. Res. 275 seeks 
to increase public awareness of the vibrant and beautiful culture of 
the Philippines and support the continuing development of the Filipino 
American community as an integral part of America's cultural fabric.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to represent the people of 
the 37th Congressional District of California, which is one of the most 
ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse congressional districts in 
the country. This is especially true of Carson, one of the major cities 
in the 37th congressional district. Southern California, which includes 
Carson, is home to one of the largest Filipino American populations in 
the country and is considered a preferred destination for Filipinos 
looking to start a new life in our country.
  As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I am proud to 
announce that the City of Carson will be receiving a special monument 
of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a decorated Filipino national hero. The Dr. Jose 
Rizal Monument Movement (JPRMM) Inc., has offered to donate the 
monument to Carson for placement in the City's International Sculpture 
Garden.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jose Rizal was a proponent of democracy and peaceful 
reforms during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 
1800s. He advocated for liberty through peaceful means rather than by 
violent revolution and was considered by Mohandas Gandhi as a 
forerunner in the cause for freedom.
  Dr. Rizal was executed by the Spanish on December 30, 1896, a date 
which is marked annually as ``Rizal Day,'' a Filipino national holiday. 
After his execution, Dr. Rizal became a martyr in the fight for 
Filipino independence and his commitment to nonviolent reform served as 
inspiration for the Filipino people and many others around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, the benefits that the Dr. Jose P. Rizal monument will 
bring to my district and the city of Carson especially are substantial. 
The monument will chronicle the rich history and significant 
contributions made by Filipino Americans to the City of Carson, the 
state of California, and the United States as well as promote the 
diversity and interests of Carson residents comprising of various 
nationalities, races and ethnicities.
  In addition, the Rizal monument will remind Filipino Americans of the 
democratic underpinnings of the Filipino heritage and encourage 
Filipinos from all over California, as well as the United States to 
visit Carson to pay homage to the national hero.
  I applaud the efforts of Carson for according a place of honor to Dr. 
Jose Rizal. He continues to be recognized globally for his efforts to 
bring freedom, liberation and justice through peaceful means to all 
peoples. His leadership, patriotism, and dedication to his country 
should serve as inspiration to us all.
  Mr. Speaker, during Filipino American History Month I encourage all 
Americans to take time to recognize the contributions of Dr. Jose Rizal 
as well as the achievements of Filipino Americans that have helped to 
make our country better. The best way to honor Filipino American 
History Month is to continue to cherish and preserve the ethnic and 
cultural diversity that strengthens this nation.

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