Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month is a federally recognized commemorative month that pays tribute to the contributions of Asian-American and Pacific Islander community at large to the nation.
Congress passed a bill in 1978 to designate a week, which included the seventh and tenth of the month, as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week. The next year, on March 28, 1979, President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4650 which stated:
“America’s greatness-its ideals, its system of government, its economy, its people-derives from the contribution of peoples of many origins who come to our land seeking human liberties or economic opportunity. Asian-Americans have played a significant role in the creation of a dynamic and pluralistic America, with their enormous contributions to our science, arts, industry, government and commerce.
Unfortunately, we have not always fully appreciated the talents and the contributions which Asian-Americans have brought to the United States. Until recently, our immigration and naturalization laws discriminated against them. They were also subjected to discrimination in education, housing, and employment. And during World War II our Japanese-American citizens were treated with suspicion and fear.
Yet, Asians of diverse origins from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia-continued to look to America as a land of hope, opportunity and freedom.”
Since the bill passed, the sitting President issued proclamations, continuing to designate one week in May to celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week. This changed in 1990 when former President George H.W. Bush issued a new proclamation; the Presidential Proclamation 6130 which designated May 1990 as the first Asian-Pacific Heritage month.
This tradition of recognition continued with each successive president. The month of May was selected since it contained two significant dates for the Asian-Pacific community at large. The first was May 7th, which commemorated the date the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. The second commemorates the date that the transcontinental railroad was completed, May 10, 1869. According to the Library of Congress, this feat could not have been accomplished without the thousands of Chinese laborers that contributed its construction.
Through the years, the tone of the proclamations reflected the political climate of the era. When comparing President Obama’s 2015 proclamation to those of the past, it demonstrated a change in length and a more nuanced approach:
“The rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of America’s history. Generation after generation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have forged a proud legacy that reflects the spirit of our Nation — a country that values the contributions of everyone who calls America home.”
From the more than one million immigrants who journeyed across the Pacific and arrived on Angel Island to the Chinese-American laborers who risked their lives to link our coasts by rail, the determination of this vibrant community represents the best of our national character. In each chapter of our country’s story — in places like Selma and the grape fields of Delano, during the moments where our Nation’s destiny has been decided — AAPIs of all backgrounds have set inspiring examples as leaders and trailblazers, united by a common hope for civil rights, equal treatment, and a better tomorrow for all Americans.”
One could find it amazing to think that every month the sitting president acknowledged multiple efforts to provide recognition to important national goals, cultures and efforts. It also puts into perspective the larger effort that the federal government expends to annually renew its commitment to the communities and cultures that contribute to the mosaic of diversity that makes up the American landscape.
As an American military member and citizen it’s important to remember that the person working next to you has a story, a unique background and set of experiences that have brought them here. Having a team of people drawn together from diverse set of backgrounds makes the team stronger and more resilient if everyone keeps in mind tolerance, respect and a vision towards tomorrow.