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                                                                  H.R. No. 1451



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For more than two centuries, Americans of Asian and 
Pacific Islander descent have played an instrumental role in 
shaping this nation's cultural, educational, artistic, and 
economic future; in recognition of these many outstanding 
contributions, the U.S. Congress has designated each May as Asian 
Pacific American Heritage Month, and this year the Texas House of 
Representatives takes great pleasure in joining with Americans 
across the country in celebrating this very special and meaningful 
occasion; and
	WHEREAS, The month of May was originally chosen for this 
distinction in commemoration of two important events in American 
history:  the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United 
States on May 7, 1843, and the first transcontinental railroad, 
which was built in large part by Chinese immigrant laborers, was 
completed on May 10, 1869; the driving of this final railroad spike 
occurred only four years after the end of the Civil War, the first 
of many armed conflicts in which Asian Pacific Americans would 
serve with great valor; and
	WHEREAS, Since the middle of the 19th century, the size and 
influence of the Asian and Pacific American population has 
continued to grow, and today there are an estimated 12.5 million 
Americans who trace their ethnic heritage, in full or in part, to 
Asia or the Pacific Islands; a significant percentage of that 
population is proud to call the Lone Star State home, and the 
Houston-based Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) 
has garnered widespread acclaim for its work in promoting cultural, 
educational, and economic development within the South Texas area; 
and
	WHEREAS, This year, the national theme for May has been 
designated a "Salute to Liberty," and, to celebrate, APAHA is 
hosting numerous entertaining and informative events in 
cooperation with the Houston Independent School District, the 
Houston Art Institute, the Houston Dragon Boat Festival, and the 
Children's Museum of Houston, as well as local officials and 
businesses, civic groups, and cultural organizations; these 
exciting performances, exhibits, and workshops have added greatly 
to Houston's vibrant social and cultural scene, and Texans of all 
ages are joining in the festivities; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize May 2003 as Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month and pay special tribute to the countless 
contributions made to the Lone Star State by Texans of Asian and 
Pacific Islander descent; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the officers and members of the Asian/Pacific American 
Heritage  Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.

                                                                            Wong

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1451 was adopted by the House on May 
23, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House