Dreier Recognizes Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Press Release

Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas) voted today to commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. H.Res. 435, which was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives, highlights the many contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American history and culture.

"Nowhere is the rich cultural heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders more prevalent than in Southern California," said Dreier. "Our Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese and Pacific Islander communities have contributed enormously to our economy, our university campuses and the cultural fabric of this region. We are indebted to their contributions to the State of California and to the country, and I am proud to support Asian Pacific American Heritage Month."

The month of May was chosen as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because of two historical events that occurred in May: first, May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States; and second, May 10, 1869, when, with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants, the first transcontinental railroad was completed.

Source