U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell issued the following announcement on May 22
This week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and 21 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month this May, noting the significant contributions to our country made by generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
“Asian and Pacific Americans have a long and significant history in this country, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Washington's Asian and Pacific American communities have contributed significantly to the cultural vibrancy of our state,” said Senator Cantwell. In celebrating the rich history, culture, and traditions of Asian and Pacific Islanders this month, we recognize their important contributions to the strength and diversity of our country.”
The Senate resolution recognizes noteworthy milestones for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in 2020, including:
- The 35th anniversary of the mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery of Ellison Shoji Onizuka, the first Asian American in space,
- The 45th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of the Southeast Asian diaspora to communities across the United States,
- The 45th anniversary of the completion of the double-hulled voyaging canoe, Hokulea, marking the first traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe built in Hawaii in more than 600 years,
- The 55th anniversary of the enactment of landmark legislation that reversed restrictive immigration policies against immigrants from Asia, and
- The 110th anniversary of the establishment of Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay, California, which served as a major port of entry for immigrants coming to the United States from Asia and the Pacific.
Original source can be found here.
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