JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Team Andrews recognizes Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Heritage Month this May by celebrating the history of these communities in American culture.
In 1977, congress proposed House Joint Resolution 540 proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage week. It wasn't until 1978 when Congress passed the resolution. President Jimmy Carter signed it into law on May 4, 1979 designating the 10 days as an annual celebration.
Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed a law extending the celebration from a week to a month. In 1992, Congress permanently designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
May was chosen for two reasons. May 7, 1843, commemorates the first Japanese immigration to the U.S. and May 10, 1869, marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad, of which the majority of the tracks were laid by Chinese immigrants.
On April 29, 2016, President Barack Obama made his annual proclamation speaking about Asian and Pacific Islander heritage and history in the U.S.
"The rich heritage of Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of America's history," said Obama. "During Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Heritage Month, we honor the perseverance of those who courageously reached for their hopes and dreams in a new land, and we celebrate the important impact the AAPI community has made on our nation's progress."
This year, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council has chosen the theme, "Walk Together, Embrace Differences, Build Legacies."
Andrews is scheduled to host two AAPI heritage events this month. A 5K Heritage Fun Run on May 19 from 7 to 9 am at the West Fitness Center and an AAPIHM educational/cuisine luncheon on May 31 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Community Commons.
Information cited from asianpacificheritage.gov/about/