Asian Pacific American Heritage Month coming up

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rosene Goods
  • 56th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of Asian Pacific American men and women who have made a difference. Asian Pacific
Americans consist of more than 24 ethnic groups such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Hawaiian, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Filipino. 

APAH month was first established in 1977 when representatives Frank Horton, Norman Mineta and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga asked the president to declare the first 10 days of May, as APAH week. The month was chosen because the first Japanese immigrants arrived to the U.S. in May of 1843. In 1978, resident Jimmy Carter made it an annual event and in 1990, President George Bush proclaimed the entire month of May as APAH month. 

Celebrating APAH means lots of things. Asian Pacific Americans are proud that the history of their ancestors goes back more than 20 generations. Many feel very fortunate to have two or more sets of cultures to enjoy. Instead of dividing their identity, their cultural experiences double their understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the world around them.
 
We are proud to highlight the accomplishments of all Asian Pacific Americans. This includes famous individuals who worked to shatter Asian myths and stereotypes and those who remain unknown in history books but whose accomplishments are still impressive and inspiring.
 
David Chu, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the most senior Asian American in the Defense Department, indicates Asian Pacific Americans have served in all types of positions in the armed forces.
 
"To the Asian Pacific Americans who have made a positive contribution to American society, may their legacy inspire us for generations to come and illustrate the diversity and beauty of what it means to be Asian Pacific American," he said.
 
For more information, call Capt. Matthew Williams at (623) 850-2916.