WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) joins the nation in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May.
The month’s designation encompasses more than 50 ethnic or linguistic groups, living in the United States and its territories. Since the first Japanese immigrants arrived to mainland America on May 7, 1843, people from Asian countries and islands throughout the Pacific Ocean made significant and lasting contributions to the nation. History records that there were even Asian people serving in the U.S. military as early as the War of 1812.
Though their hard work, dedication and sacrifice in the U.S., they built large expanses of infrastructure, advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, broadened the arts and humanities, pressed for social and political changes, and secured freedom and democracy, both at home and abroad. Their unique American experience and military service for more than 200 years is a legacy that makes American history that much richer and its freedoms more secure.
The 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary salute all Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander veterans, past, present and future, and say “thank you” for your service to our great nation.