Political Quotes

“I take great pride in honoring the memory and the courage of all those brave Asian Pacific immigrants residing in the Chicago metropolitan area as well around the country. I look forward to working with the generations that have followed. As a result of their countless sacrifices and dreams for a better life--for them and their children--I have the opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of Asian Pacific Americans in virtually every facet of life today. I commend the Asian Pacific Americans in this country for their contributions to the arts, sciences, education, military, and government. From the Chinese who first came here for the California gold rush and later played a critically important role in building the transcontinental railroad in the mid-1800's. To the all Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regiment Combat Team in World War II who became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history receiving over 18,000 individual decorations, including more than 9,000 Purple Hearts--in less than a year.”