SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 711

WHEREAS, The observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May 2015 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby recognize May 2015 as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 6, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate