News Stories

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Published May 11, 2015
During the month of May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

During the month of May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

“Many Cultures, One Voice: Promote Equality and Inclusion”

During the month of May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

The theme of the 2015 celebration, developed by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council is, “Many Cultures, One Voice: Promote Equality and Inclusion.”  The theme highlights the over 56 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages from Asian and the Pacific Islands who are a part of the fabric of our diverse nation speaking in one voice.

A joint congressional resolution established Asian and Pacific American Heritage Week in 1978. 

The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian and Pacific American history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States, May 7, 1843, and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed May 10, 1869. 

In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration. 

The 2015 Presidential Proclamation signed by President Barack Obama recognizes the many contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

Asian and Pacific Islander Americans serve proudly in our nation's military.

Many veterans and currently serving military members in our Armed Forces are highlighted in the Department of Defense.

Within the United States Army Corps of Engineers our Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick and Brig. Gen. Mark Toy, Commander, South Pacific Division currently serve as well as many others.