Recently members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) came together to commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is May. Several noteworthy members of Congress -- including Representative Mike Honda (Chair, CAPAC), Senator Tom Daschle, and Senator Daniel Akaka -- were in attendance. Karen Narasaki, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium, was also there.

Selected remarks are available online. Of note, Representative Honda honored civil rights icon Fred Korematsu, and also added:

this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act. Our country was founded by immigrants who believed in freedom, and they paved the way for all Americans to live in a country that values our liberty and freedom. The greatness of our country stems from its diversity, and we must continue to build a promising future for all.

The contributions of AAPIs need to be recognized and remembered as part of U.S. history, from the makings of the transcontinental railroad, the courage of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Filipino veterans, to Dalip Singh Saud [sic], who was the first Indian American to be elected in Congress, to the exploitation of garment workers, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.