Doris Matsui: “I rise today to commemorate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. There are over 15 million Asian Americans…”

“I rise today to commemorate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. There are over 15 million Asian Americans living in the United States, from the early Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Filipino immigrants to recent Vietnamese, Laotian and Hmong communities. The United States has benefited many ways from the contributions of these diverse cultures. Through the telling of the Asian Pacific American experience, we illuminate the quality of opportunity that makes our country the wonderful place it is. From community involvement to business entrepreneurship, many Americans of Asian descent came to this country with very little and have been able to achieve the American Dream. Asian Americans have also played a critical role in protecting our freedoms. During World War II, the Federal Government chose to intern 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent, including my mother and father and their entire families. The country learned the importance of balancing civil liberties with national security, and today, more than ever, we must be aware of the significance of this fine balance. I am proud to honor the courageous Americans who fight against injustice and recognize the strength and vibrance of our country.”