Speech #990030887

The Japanese Americans. whose forebears arrived in this country in the latter part of the 19th century. helped establish Hawaiis sugar industry through their labor in the fields. During World Wa II. the 100th Infantry Battalion from Hawaii and the 442d Regimental Combat Team. composed of Japanese American volunteers. became the most decorated combat units in American military history. Filipino immigrants. arriving in this country early in the 20th century. helped establish fisheries and canneries on the west coast and in Alaska. As individuals. Pacific and Asian Americans have brought honor and distinction to the United States. excelling in science. politics. and the arts among other fields.