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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage |
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Month in May 2013 offers a fitting opportunity to honor the |
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wide-ranging contributions to this state and nation made by |
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individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint |
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resolution of the United States Congress designating a week in May |
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as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week; the event was expanded 12 |
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years later into a monthlong celebration, and in 1992, May was |
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officially designated as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, The term Asian-Pacific encompasses all of the Asian |
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continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and |
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Polynesia; when Congress initially set aside time to acknowledge |
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the diverse culture, traditions, and history of people from this |
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region, it selected May in order to commemorate two major |
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developments in the annals of the United States; May 7, 1843, marked |
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the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and May 10, 1869, saw |
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the completion of the transcontinental railroad, constructed |
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mostly by workers from China; and |
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WHEREAS, Through the years, generations of Americans |
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descended from Asians and Pacific Islanders have made an indelible |
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imprint on the Lone Star State, and it is indeed a pleasure to join |
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in celebrating the many ways in which they have enriched the vibrant |
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cultural fabric of our nation; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 2013 as Asian-Pacific American |
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Heritage Month. |