Speech #1090129432

I rise today to honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the struggles and enormous contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Nations culture. It is an honor to pay tribute to the many achievements and honor the countless unique contributions to the United States made by Asian Pacific Americans across our Nation. May commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843. Therefore. it is appropriate that during the month of May we recognize the contributions made by Asian Pacific Americans to our communities. May 10. 1869 marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad and its completion is greatly credited to the labor of the Chinese immigrants. Today. there are over 14 million Asian Pacific Americans living in the United States and this represents 5 percent of the population. The rich history associated with the Asian Pacific American population has been a great contribution to the culture of the United States. Over the years. the Asian Pacific American communities have made significant contributions to Texass diverse culture. The United States is a land of immigrants. and the history reflects a Nation that has greatly benefited from the many contributions of its immigrants. The Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (GDAACC) is the largest Asian American Chamber in the United States with 1.200 members currently enrolled. Located in the Asian Trade District in Northwest Dallas.