09-R224

2009 -- H 6182

Enacted 05/07/09

 

 

H O U S E  R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 2009 AS ASIAN/PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Kilmartin, Almeida, Williams, Slater, and DaSilva

     Date Introduced: May 07, 2009

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, In 1978, a joint Congressional Resolution established the first ten days of

May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. These days were chosen because they coincide

with the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants in May 1843, and the

contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad which was

completed in May 1869; and

     WHEREAS, In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration;

and

     WHEREAS, The Asian-American community alone accounts for over 15.2 million

people with over 50% holding a Bachelor's degree or higher level of education, while Native

Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders total one million, with at least 15% holding a college

degree; and

     WHEREAS, There are over 1.1 million businesses owned by Asian-Americans and over

28,000 owned by Pacific Islanders, with their companies combined receiving more than $330

billion in revenue receipts; and

     WHEREAS, The Asian and Pacific Islander work force can be found in numerous fields

including professional, scientific and technical services, as well as teaching, financial

management, engineering, nursing, health care, medicine, social assistance, retail, construction,

repair and maintenance; and

     WHEREAS, There are over 277,000 Asian military veterans, who served our country

honorably in the Armed Forces; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 2009 as Asian/Pacific Heritage Month in the State

of Rhode Island. We recognize the many great achievements that the Asian/Pacific community

has accomplished over the years and honor their proud heritage; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Bobby Lau, President of the Rhode Island

Association of Chinese Americans.

     

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LC02489

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