05/18/04

Throughout our history, Asian/Pacific Americans have made great contributions to America's heritage and prosperity. During this month, we proudly celebrate Asian/Pacific Americans, as one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, for their remarkable role in our Nation's development. Comprising more than 30 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific Islands, Asian and Pacific Americans have contributed to American culture, works of literature, art, entertainment, cuisine, and advances in science that influence all other American's lives. They have challenged the minds of our next generation, expanded commerce and innovations, probed the frontiers of space and searched for cures for the world's diseases.

Since the earliest days of America, people from all cultures have traveled to our Nation seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice. Many Asian/Pacific immigrants came to America to discover the promise of our Nation and to realize their dreams. Generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have proudly served our Nation with honor and courage in wars and conflicts, including most recently Operation Enduring Freedom.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month came to fruition through the efforts of Jeanie Jew following the United States bicentennial in 1976 when she realized that Asian Pacific Americans were excluded from the history of this great Nation. On October 2, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the Joint Resolution and the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week celebrated in May 1979. On October 28, 1992, to honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress by Public Law 102-450, as amended, designated the month of May each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. May was selected for the recognition because of two significant events in history that took place in that month: Japanese immigrants first arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869 (Golden Spike Day).

I hope you have an opportunity to celebrate this observance by taking advantage of local activities that provide greater consciousness and appreciation for Asian/Pacific American history and promote diversity, understanding and opportunity for every person of every race. I encourage you to share the accomplishments of Asian/Pacific Americans through special programs, assemblies, luncheons, and classroom lessons.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific