For those of us located in the Pacific Theater, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month has particular significance as we can see examples of the 2007 theme, "Pursuing excellence through leadership, diversity and unity," every day.  The 102nd Congress unanimously approved Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, in 1992.  May was selected because two significant events in history took place in that month:  Japanese immigrants first arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the transcontinental railroad, which employed Chinese immigrants as laborers, was completed on May 10, 1869.  In the late 1800s, Chinese and other Asians were legally excluded from citizenship and quotas were placed on their immigration to the United States.  These laws were repealed during World War II. 

Asian Pacific Americans have greatly contributed to and influenced the development of our Nation in a wide range of occupational fields such as education, industry, government, business, military service, and technology.  Some prominent Asian Pacific Americans include Yo-Yo Ma, internationally acclaimed composer and cellist; Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives; I.M. Pei, a distinguished architect who designed the John F. Kennedy Library; Tiger Woods, a golfer who is also well-known for his charitable work on behalf of disadvantaged children; Dr. David Chu, Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness); and Maya Lin, the artist best know for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D. C.

Asian Pacific Americans constitute about five percent of the United States population.   The 13 million Asian born residents make up approximately one-fourth of the nation’s foreign born population with the largest numbers coming from China, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and Korea.  Roughly five percent of our Pacific educators are Asian Pacific Americans.  In addition to their professionalism as teachers, they bring their rich cultures, diverse talents and multi-faceted experiences to our students.

Living in Guam, Japan, or Korea gives us all the opportunity to interact with our Asian Pacific neighbors, as well as enjoy the beauty of the countries in which we are so fortunate to work and live.  I encourage each of you to take advantage of this month to learn more about the history and extraordinary contributions of Asian Pacific Americans.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam