83R18804 BPG-D
 
  By: Wu H.R. No. 1601
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage
  Month in May 2013 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 House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize May 2013 as Asian-Pacific American
  Heritage Month.