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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Asian/Pacific Americans contribute vitally to |
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communities across the United States, and the observance of |
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Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May 2009 offers a fitting |
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opportunity to recognize this diverse group of people; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1990, President George H. W. Bush expanded the |
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annual celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. from |
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the first 10 days of May to the entire month; May was chosen to |
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commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United |
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States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the May 10, 1869, anniversary of |
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the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was built in |
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large part by Chinese immigrants; and |
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WHEREAS, Since the early waves of Asian immigrants in the |
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19th century, people from throughout the Asian continent and the |
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Pacific Islands have made the United States their home; |
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Asian/Pacific Americans number more than 15 million and have |
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distinguished themselves through their service in the U.S. |
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military, their business and professional endeavors, their |
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community involvement, their cultural traditions, and their strong |
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bonds of family; and |
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WHEREAS, Asian/Pacific Americans have made a positive and |
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lasting difference to the Lone Star State and the country as a |
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whole, and the celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month |
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acknowledges and promotes the immeasurable benefits of living in a |
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truly diverse society; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 2009 as Asian/Pacific American |
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Heritage Month and encourage all citizens to learn more about the |
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history and achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans. |