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“ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S5945 on May 8, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today, I rise to speak about the importance of the Asian-Pacific American experience in my home State of Minnesota. During this month, designated Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, we are proud to celebrate the many ways in which the culture of our Asian citizens enriches us as Minnesotans and Americans.
In Minnesota, we celebrate with a myriad of public events throughout the State, including a Burmese cultural exhibition, dance workshops, musical performances, picnics, banquets, flea markets, and festivals. For this year's theme, the Minnesota State Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans has chosen ``Experience Freedom,'' a thread which runs through the stories of so many Asian Americans.
Each generation of immigrants to this country has pursued a freedom not known in their homelands. Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino settlers sought out Minnesota in the late 19th century, hoping to find broad economic opportunities. This same goal motivated Korean and other Asian immigrants who left their countries to find unparalleled opportunities.
More recently, Asians have come to Minnesota seeking refuge from war. Tibetans, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Cambodians escaped from a country ravaged by war and unrest. Here, they found freedom, peace, and new avenues for fulfillment, and achievement. I am especially proud to say that with the recent election of State Representative Cy Thao, Minnesota now has two legislators of Hmong descent.
Thanks to the infusion of Asian-Pacific influences, Minnesota virtually vibrates with new ideas, philosophies, and folkways. Individually and collectively, Asian-Pacific citizens have made significant contributions to their communities, accomplishments which the State Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans recognizes by conferring four Annual Leadership Awards. I am pleased to join in honoring these outstanding individuals and organizations.
Jasmine Dinh has received the Professional Leadership and Community Service Award. Her commitment to public service has led her to cofound Asian Women United of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization devoted to ending violence against Asian women; to create a battered women's shelter in Minneapolis, one of the few focused on Asian American women; to serve on the staff of United States Representative Bill Luther; and to become deeply involved in the Vietnamese Community of Minnesota Organization. Recently, she opened her own business, Jasmine's Coffee and Tea House, while still working full time as a senior program manager for the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco.
Jodie Tanaka has been recognized with the Professional Leadership Award. The owner, CEO, and president of Tanaka Advertisting, a business established by her father, Jodie developed the company into the highly successful entity it is today. Among her clients, she counts other notable Minnesota companies, including U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Twins, Northwest Airlines, and Davanni's. Her hard work and excellence in her field have consistently been acknowledged by awards from Minnesota's community of business professionals.
Dragon Festival Planning Committee is this year's Community Service Award winner. The committee has built on the original Asian American Festival, a lively and popular annual event since 1997. The newly named Dragon Festival has grown to include not only a parade but also a dragon boat race.
Kogen Taiko, players of traditional Japanese drums, have received this year's award for community service and excellence in the arts. The oldest taiko drumming ensemble in Minnesota, Kogen Taiko, preserves Japanese drumming techniques while also incorporating multiple American rhythms. The result is original Japanese-American music. The group's performances have movingly affirmed the sometimes painful Japanese experience in America. In addition, they are extensively involved in the community, having used proceeds from a benefit concert to help pay medical bills for a deceased friend and to establish an education fund for his children.
In addition to these distinguished Leadership Award winners, I would like to pay tribute to two other remarkable people.
Adeel Lari served as president of the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans from 1994 to 2002. Thanks to his leadership, the council has become a driving force in educating the larger community about matters important to Asians in Minnesota. Adeel has also spent the past 28 years at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. His dedication to his community is exemplary.
Minneapolis Police Officer Duy Ngo has served the department honorably for over 5 years and was recently assigned to the Minnesota Gang Strike Force, helping to curb gang membership and violence in our State. In addition, he is a sergeant in the Army Reserves. Officer Ngo is recovering well from injuries received when he was shot while working undercover. Like all Minnesotans, I deeply appreciate the bravery of officers like Duy Ngo who put their lives on the line every day to protect their fellow citizens.
It is entirely appropriate for us to designate a special time to pay tribute to the many contributions of Americans of Asian or Pacific ancestry. At the same time, I wish to emphasize the value of the many talents, strengths, and unique qualities they consistently bring to us. We welcome and cherish their distinctive gifts and customs.
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