84R22712 MGB-D
By: Button H.R. No. 2027
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Month in May 2015 offers a fitting opportunity to honor the
wide-ranging contributions to this state and nation made by
individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint
resolution of the United States Congress designating a week in May
as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week; the event was expanded 12
years later into a monthlong celebration, and in 1992, May was
officially designated as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month;
and
WHEREAS, The term Asian-Pacific encompasses all of the Asian
continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and
Polynesia; when Congress initially set aside time to acknowledge
the diverse culture, traditions, and history of people from this
region, it selected May in order to commemorate two major
developments in the annals of the United States; May 7, 1843, marked
the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants, and May 10, 1869, saw
the completion of the transcontinental railroad, constructed
mostly by workers from China; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, generations of Americans
descended from Asians and Pacific Islanders have made an indelible
imprint on the Lone Star State, and it is indeed a pleasure to join
in celebrating the many ways in which they have enriched the vibrant
cultural fabric of our nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 2015 as Asian-Pacific American
Heritage Month.