SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 711
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize May 2015 as Asian-Pacific American
Heritage Month.
Ellis
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 6, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate