Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

  • Published
  • By Col. Floyd Dunstan
  • 140th Wing Commander


140th Wing,

Each May, we take a moment to observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution designating the annual celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Week. Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension, making the week-long celebration into a month-long celebration.

"Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise many ethnicities and languages, and their myriad achievements embody the American experience."
(President Barack Obama)

This year's theme is "I Am Beyond".

The Equal Opportunity office has partnered with Services to create a lunch menu in observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Please join us May 3, 2014 at the dining facility and help celebrate the occasion.

The sacrifices of all men and women of the military, across all cultural backgrounds, have helped shape this nation. Although we observe May 1, 2014 - May 31, 2014 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, it is important to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of all Americans that make this nation great.

Sincerely,

//signed//
Floyd W. Dunstan, Col, COANG
Commander, 140th Wing